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Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)
regarding Supplemental Educational Services (SES)
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.
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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
the DFW metroplex. 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 Irving Independent School
District 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 Irving ISD 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 Tracie Fraley 972-215-5040.
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:
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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.
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Work with you to establish learning
goals and a timeline for your child, based on his or her
specific learning needs.
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Measure and report on your child's
progress regularly and clearly.
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Communicate with your child's
teacher about the child's learning needs and progress.
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Keep the identity of your child
receiving SES private, unless the provider has written
permission from you.
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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 Irving ISD 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 Irving ISD 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:
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