What are Supplemental Educational Services (SES)?
Your child may be eligible for free tutoring and other supplemental academic enrichment services. These services are called "Supplemental Educational Services" under No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Supplemental Educational Services are programs offering extra help in academic subjects, such as reading, language arts and mathematics, provided free-of-charge to certain students. These services are provided outside of the regular school day-before or after school, on weekends, in schools, in program provider centers, or at a student's home.

Who can get these services?
Students who are eligible for free or reduced price meals AND are enrolled in Title I schools that have been placed on the state's NCLB "in need of improvement" list for two or more years are eligible to receive free Supplemental Educational Services.

Why is SES important for my child?
The SES program gives low-income students new options for improving their education. Quality tutoring can benefit students in a number of ways, including:

• Improving student achievement and work habits.
• Meeting specific student needs. Some students may not learn well in traditional classrooms. Tutoring can offer students individual attention to help them learn in different ways.
• Generally, tutoring offers students a safe, supportive environment outside of school and can help reduce the chances that a student will engage in risky behaviors.
• Improving social and behavioral skills. Some after-school programs have been shown to help students develop positive social and behavioral adjustments, better relations with peers, and more effective conflict resolution strategies.

Are all eligible students guaranteed SES Services?
We currently anticipate that all eligible students will be able to receive SES services. However, in accordance with the federal law, if there are not enough funds to provide services to all eligible students who wish to participate, students will be prioritized based on academic need. This means that the eligible students with the greatest educational needs will be accommodated first.

How do I find a good Supplemental Educational Services Program for my Child?
You have been sent a SES Provider Directory that gives you a list of state-approved providers offering Supplemental Educational Services in Austin, Texas. Different kinds of organizations may be on the list, including: private educational providers; public schools; charter schools; private schools; community organizations; and faith-based organizations. Many providers will offer hands-on tutoring by trained instructors. Others may offer computer-based instruction that your child can access through a computer in a school, community center, or at home. You can ask the school to help you choose the best provider for your child, but the choice of provider is yours.

What happens after I've chosen a Provider of Supplemental Educational Services?
After the processing of the forms, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) will notify the provider of final approval. Providers will then contact you and arrange the start date, time and location of services. You will meet with the provider to develop your child's Student Learning Plan that indicates specific goals for your child; establishes the schedule for services; and explains how your child's progress will be measured. The AISD will pay for the Supplemental Educational Services. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact your school's principal or feel free to contact Mark Alvarado at (512) 414-0012. You should ensure that your child attends the SES programs which you have selected in order for him/her to receive the maximum benefit from this academic assistance.

What should I expect of an SES Provider?*
If you enroll your child in SES and select a provider you should expect the provider to:

• Offer clear information about when, where, and for how long the services will be offered.
• Give specific details about who will be tutoring your child, what their qualifications are, and what instruction will be offered.
• Work with you to establish learning goals and a timeline for your child, based on his or her specific learning needs.
• Measure and report on your child's progress regularly and clearly.
• Communicate with your child's teacher about the child's learning needs and progress.
• Keep the identity of your child receiving SES private, unless the provider has written permission from you.
• Comply with health, safety and civil rights laws.

*Taken from "SES in Action: A Toolkit for Parents and Community Leaders" published by the SESQ Center (www.tutorsforkids.org) of the American Institutes for Research (www.air.org). For a free copy of the Toolkit, go to http://www.tutorsforkids.org/ToolkitDownload2.asp or call 1-866-544-8686.

Will the AISD provide transportation to SES program providers?
No. School districts are not required to provide or pay for transportation. Therefore, select a provider that is conveniently located to the school or your home.

What if I am not satisfied with the Provider that I have selected for my child?
While the AISD is not required to grant a switch in providers, we will work to ensure the provider you have selected for your child is responsive to your concerns.

What if my child is not eligible for SES?
If your child is not eligible for free tutoring because he/she is not eligible for free lunch or does not attend a school required to offer SES, ask your campus principal or school counselor if there are other programs at the school or local programs in the community that might help your child.

Where can I get more information?
To learn about Supplemental Educational Services, you may contact:

• Your campus principal and guidance counselors
• Call Mark Alvarado at (512) 414-0012
• E-mail us at mark.alvarado@austinisd.org
• Visit the TEA website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us.nclb