Ombudsman Arizona Charter East was named Microsoft Showcase School for a fourth year in a row, Ombudsman Charter Metro and Northwest are being recognized for a second time in a row, and the Ombudsman Online Academy was named for the first time a Microsoft Showcase Schools. Microsoft Education has also recognized Ombudsman Charter West of Glendale and Charter Valencia of Tucson as Microsoft Incubator Schools.

To earn the designation, administrators and teachers completed a rigorous application process to demonstrate how the Ombudsman Charter High School would utilize Microsoft 365 programming to enhance the students' experience, share resources and increase efficiency.

"We've used Microsoft tools to develop an intelligent environment to better serve our students. It's a space where students are able to learn anytime, anywhere — unaffected by time, place or circumstance. This gives our students the flexibility they need and skills that will serve them beyond graduation," said Dorothy Cohen, Principal of Ombudsman Charter High School-East.

By incorporating Microsoft 365 technology into the curriculum and student assessments, students become proficient in utilizing basic Office software, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and utilize more advanced programming, such as Microsoft's Teams platform for communication and OneNote for project management.

In addition, 100% of all Ombudsman staff in Arizona are Microsoft Educators and 33 have been recognized as Microsoft Innovation in Education Experts. These experts must submit a rigorous application each year demonstrating not only their commitment to their own development but must also demonstrate how these Microsoft tools are used to enhance learning in their classrooms as described above.

"As a teacher, I strive to foster the value of life-long learning in my students, and the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert community has provided a vital opportunity to practice this tenet myself. Through this professional learning community, I can discover the newest Microsoft updates and features that can help to make my curriculum more accessible and engaging for my students," said Katherine Crooks, Ombudsman Charter High School-Valencia.

Ombudsman encourages students to complete the self-paced certification program and will cover the cost of the exam fee for students. For many, this certificate could open doors to careers previously unattainable without a college degree. For those needing support beyond academics, our schools also use these innovative tools to support student social and emotional well-being.

"Microsoft OneNote has allowed our CARES Program to have one location to go to for resources for our students. Additionally, SEL has been streamlined in a positive way to reach all of our students as we are able to do the in-person activities but follow up with postings on our Collaboration Spaces, allowing even those students with barriers to see and participate in the discussion," said Tarinda Craglow, 2022 School Social Work Association of Arizona Social Worker of the Year.

About Ombudsman Charter Schools:

Ombudsman Arizona Charter High School has seven convenient locations plus an online academy and is a division of ChanceLight Education, which provides highly personalized, technology-rich blended learning programs for high school students who have not been successful in traditional school programs. Our program is for students who are at risk of dropping out, who wish to recover credits to advance with their classmates or who have adult responsibilities and would benefit from a flexible schedule. For more information, visit www.ArizonaDiploma.com.