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. Students enrolled in TTIPS grant schools and who meet the campus-specific eligibility criteria are eligible for SES. Lanier eligible students are Grade Placement Committee students (GPC). Reagan eligible students are Grade Placement Committee students (GPC), and African-American students who have failed the Math portion of TAKS. Travis eligible students are Grade Placement Committee students (GPC).

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?
All eligible students may apply for 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. Students with the greatest educational needs will be accommodated first.

How do I find a good Supplemental Educational Services Program for my Child?
Parents of eligible students have been sent a SES Parent Notification Letter with a list of approved providers offering Supplemental Educational Services in Austin ISD. The "Available Providers" link on our website lists current providers and their service descriptions. Some providers offer in-person tutoring by trained instructors. Others offer computer-based instruction that your child can access through a computer. Parents can choose tutoring on campus, at a community center, a library, or at home. Ask the school SES contact person, or the SES coordinator if you need assistance choosing the best provider for your child.

What happens after I've chosen a Provider of Supplemental Educational Services?
After the processing of the SES enrollment form, the SES office will notify the provider of student enrollment. Providers will then contact you make arrangements to provide tutoring services. You may meet with the provider to develop your child's Student Learning Plan that indicates specific goals for your child, and explains how your child's progress will be measured. You will recieve a monthly progress report form the provider. The Austin ISD will pay for the Supplemental Educational Services. If you have questions, please contact your school's office, or call Patriza Gonzalez at (512) 414-6535.

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 allow changing 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.