O.P.T.I.O.N.S.

Program Overview

O.P.T.I.O.N.S. is a critical thinking and character development program developed to increase self-direction and positive decision-making in the lives of young people. It utilizes best practice approaches from several programs and offers snapshots of those programs in this introductory. It will enable the student to develop self-directed learning tools that will aid him or her in the discovery of intrinsic motivation. O.P.T.I.O.N.S. is not therapy and should not be understood in terms of therapy or substituted in place of.

The written curriculum was developed from elements of the following theories: innate revolt, motivational interviewing, applied behavior analysis, cognitive change and restorative justice. In addition elements from John Boyd’s OODA Loop decision making model are included as well. The curriculum does not claim to be any particular theory; rather it utilizes different elements from successful models and gives credit to those models and the founders when applicable. The models are listed below. (*EBP stands for models and approaches that have been cited as evidence based practices.) The rubric for this is measurable outcomes that have had a positive impact in the lives of young people. The indicators are reduced rates of recidivism and an increase in pro-social activities. The model was developed by Hakim Hazim, the O.P.T.I.O.N.S. Program Director.

Aim of Curriculum and Key Points to be Addressed Regarding At Risk Youth

(*Denotes the authors and agency who identified the six points below.)

  1. Improved self-control
  2. Increased circle of caring
  3. Engagement in pro-social values
  4. Increased contact with pro-social “faces and places”
  5. Substance abuse treatment
  6. Reconnection to primary/healthy relationships

*The US Department of Justice/National Institute of Justice:
A Guide for Probation and Parole: Motivating Offenders to Change — June, 2007
Authors: Walter, Scott, Clark, Michael D, Gingerich, Ray, Meltzer, Melissa A

At-risk Cohorts

Our at-risk population will be 12–17 year-old individuals who will be able to complete a 12 week program. Individuals with moderate developmental disabilities or cognitive impairments that will limit their ability to grasp the information that is delivered through our delivery model are not recommended for participation. The curriculum will be developed in order to ensure maximum retention of the material, which will in turn lower recidivism rates for participants and link them to pro-social resources. There is also an ongoing mentoring component that will be added upon completion of the program.

Educational Application

The O.P.T.I.O.N.S. program has been developed to fit into a variety of academic settings. The program can also be delivered as semester/quarterly elective courses. These 20 week courses can be implemented in the following settings: online, hybrid model (online and face-to-face) or in a traditional face-to-face format. Each educational program has been specifically designed to address and connect with various grade levels.

O.P.T.I.O.N.S. Foundations: Grades 6th–8th

O.P.T.I.O.N.S. Navigators: Grades 9th–11th

O.P.T.I.O.N.S. Catalysts: 12th Grade–Young Adults

Professional Development & Training

For more information please contact:  O.P.T.I.O.N.S. Director Hakim Hazim
Phone: (208) 412 -2122
Email: options@leadership1st.info