The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is dedicated to every student it serves and will provide the most effective tools available to ensure ALL students achieve a strong education.
Students who are learning in an alternative educational setting that may be experiencing behavioral and academic challenges, will benefit from an alternative learning program that places a stronger focus on the individual student. In SY 2012-2013 the Savannah-Chatham Public School System will partner with Ombudsman Educational Services to improve the outcome of the district’s current alternative education strategies and programs. Services will also be provided to support a Middle School Accelerated Program.
In the spirit of providing the very best for our students, the Ombudsman program comes with a proven track record of success that provides a small teacher to student ratio, individualized instruction, targeted remediation programs, and an understanding that any student can achieve at high levels.
Great consideration is taken into the individual needs of every student enrolled in the program. Upon enrollment each student is given a placement test in order to provide the necessary remediation or additional supports. Students receive the necessary one on one instruction in the areas of greatest need and are able to progress at their own rate through online supports. The online and one on one instruction provides an effective blended learning environment that allows students to accelerate and move ahead quickly. Additionally, the class schedule allows students to take full ownership of their education, participate in community service projects, collaborate on group projects, and develop meaningful relationships with their teachers.
Savannah-Chatham Schools and Ombudsman Educational Services’ goal is to provide competency and social skills growth with work based learning opportunities, credit recovery options, and a fast transition back to the student’s zoned school. Together, we will work to ensure all students are afforded a quality education that will help them become productive members of the community!
The contact for the Ombudsman Alternative Learning Center is:
Tyree Simmons, Ombudsman Administrator PH: 912-257-8605
Ombudsman Alternative Learning Program locations include:
905 E 69th Street, 31405 PH: 912-344-4489
7216 Skidaway Road, 31406 PH: 912-200-3462
12 Brampton Road, 31408 PH: 912-963-0000
For information about the Ombudsman Accelerated Middle School Program, please contact:
PH: (912) 335-7212
Below please find a list of commonly asked questions.
F.A.Q.
What is Ombudsman?
Ombudsman is an accredited, alternative education program for at-risk middle and high school students, nontraditional learners, and students who have been long term suspended or expelled. Ombudsman partners with public school districts to educate students in grades six through 12, who have not been successful in a traditional school setting by offering:
• Personalized instruction
• A small classroom setting
• A low student-to-instructor ratio
• Computer-assisted instruction
• Increased interaction with instructors
• A flexible schedule that accommodates family and work responsibilities
How does Ombudsman work?
Ombudsman partners with school districts to help remove the roadblocks to graduation and offers a program for students who want to get back on track. Many students do better in small learning communities where they receive individual attention, work on computers to master subjects at their own pace, and attend class on a flexible schedule that accommodates work and family responsibilities.
On average, Ombudsman’s students achieve more than one academic year’s growth in less than one year’s time. Eighty-five percent of Ombudsman students graduate, earn credits or return to their home school closer to or at grade level.
What do students study?
Students receive accredited instruction in seven specific areas:
• Essential skills, such as reading, writing and math
• Science, including biology, chemistry, physical science and physics
• Social studies and citizenship, including U.S. history, world history and government/civics
• Life management concepts, including personal finance, consumer education and social skills development
• Health and recreation, including first aid, fitness and nutrition
• Aesthetics, which includes arts appreciation
• College and career preparation, including test preparation, career opportunities and job skills
How long is the typical class day?
The program offers multiple flexible schedules and a compressed class day to accommodate students’ needs. Students spend about three-quarters of the day working on computers to master their subjects with assistance from teachers and instructional staff. The rest of the day is spent doing writing assignments, participating in group projects and conducting research. Students remain on task, focused, motivated and engaged in learning.
What kind of counseling, remediation, and behavioral services are offered?
Counseling services are a part of the curriculum delivery. Upon enrollment students are given a behavior assessment that is used to identify behavior goals and will group students according to like needs. These needs will be addressed through a social skills curriculum which is built into the day. All practices will be based on William Glaser's philosophy on quality schools and non confrontational approaches to learning. This program will guide students into taking responsibility for their actions and demonstrating their commitment to learning and academic achievement. Once students accept responsibility for their own decisions, they will take a stronger ownership in their educational success.
Will there be a full staff of certified teachers to provide instruction?
Yes. All teachers will meet the same high standards throughout the school system. SCCPSS will play a large role in the hiring of staff. Faculty will be hired based on a 10 to 1 teacher/student ratio, so students will gain the benefit of individualized instruction.
Will there be a full staff of counselors and social workers to address social and behavioral issues? Yes. A full staff of certified counselors will be provided. SCCPSS will also provide assistance with social workers as needed.
Who is the typical Ombudsman student?
The program provides an alternative learning experience for students who have been long term suspended or expelled. No matter what challenges they face in life, students can find success through Ombudsman’s alternative program. Ombudsman provides a non-traditional classroom setting, with personalized instruction, computer-assisted learning and a flexible schedule. Ombudsman’s program is tailored for each student, including students who have IEPs or who are English language learners.
What is Ombudsman’s success rate?
According to standardized test results, Ombudsman students achieve more than one year’s academic growth during one year’s time. One hundred percent of Ombudsman students are at risk – and 85 percent of them graduate, earn credits or return to their district school closer to or at grade level.
Is Ombudsman accredited?
Yes, Ombudsman is accredited by AdvancED, the North Central Association (NCA), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (MSCES). You can read more about Ombudsman accreditation here.
What benefits do school districts realize by partnering with Ombudsman?
Districts receive many benefits by partnering with Ombudsman. Ombudsman helps reduce classroom disruptions, counseling costs, teacher frustration, suspensions and expulsions. Districts also save money because the average cost per pupil is less than the district’s average cost. Students remain on school district rolls and Ombudsman reports enrollment and attendance information to its school district partners. This allows school districts to benefit from improved graduation and attendance rates as well as retain funding streams.
Are Ombudsman teachers certified?
Yes. All teachers are certified and meet the federal Highly Qualified Teacher requirements as defined by No Child Left Behind. Just as important, Ombudsman teachers are selected for their ability to work with at-risk students. Ombudsman teachers guide students to make good choices about their academic progress, attendance and consideration for others in the learning center.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes, SCCPSS will provide transportation.