Philadelphia students, parents, educators and community leaders came together at the Black Male Development Symposium on May 15 to discuss issues affecting African-American men and share ideas about local solutions to address those issues. The symposium was held at Arcadia University in Philadelphia and included a presentation by Ombudsman operations manager Bill Listanski. Bill reported on the successes of African-American male students enrolled in the seven Ombudsman learning centers in the School District of Philadelphia. Note: This presentation includes program-wide outcome data.

1. Ombudsman Educational Services May 15, 2010

2. Ombudsman Partners with school districts nationwide to provide an alternate route to graduation for at-risk students

3. Ombudsman Serves120+ School Districts in 16 States

5. Ombudsman In Philadelphia Seven locations Three accelerated centers Four blended model centers Small size and low student-to-staff ratio 60 slots, split between a morning and afternoon session Daily social skills and behavior management

6. Ombudsman In Philadelphia “I like the sequence. The way it’s computerized, you can’t get over it; you have to go through it. It gets tiring, but I think it’s the best way to do it.” Erik Dunhan, Senior, Ombudsman West “I like it. They give you something to study first. As soon as you’re done studying, you practice. So then when you go to your test, you pass.” Chesique Pope, Ombudsman West “Our philosophy is all about choices and a belief that each kid can be a productive member of society. We get to really see the difference that we’re making with this population of kids.” Bill Listanski, operations manager

7. 78% Graduation Rate Among African American Male Students

8. Ombudsman Students 100% of students referred to Ombudsman are at risk of dropping out 89% of students graduated, successfully returned to their district or completed their enrollment period with Ombudsman

10. Competency-based

11. Dr. Glasser’s Choice Theory

12. Curriculum is aligned to state standards

13. Low student/staff ratios

15. Ombudsman Helps

16. Ombudsman Graduation Rates2006-07, 2007-08 & 2008-09

17. Ombudsman GLE BASI Growth2006-07, 2007-08 & 2008-09

18. African American Male Attendance Rates2007-08 & 2008-09

19. African American Male Success Rates2007-08 & 2008-09

20. African American Male Graduation Rates2007-08 & 2008-09

21. African American Male GLE BASI Growth2007-08 & 2008-09

22. Options

23. Ombudsman “I want to go to college, and thanks to Ombudsman, I can make that happen.” -Tavante WilkersonOmbudsman student

24. “Dropping out is no longer an option.” President Barack Obama