Supplemental Educational Services

Supplemental educational services are additional academic instruction aimed at increasing the academic achievement of students in schools that have not met the state's targets for adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three or more years.

Supplemental services may include tutoring and after-school programs. They may be offered through public- or private-sector entities, such as public schools, public charter schools, local education agencies, educational service agencies, and faith-based organizations, as long as they are approved by the state. Private-sector providers may be either nonprofit or for-profit entities.

States must create and maintain a list of approved providers across the state organized according to the school district or districts they serve, from which parents select a provider. States must also encourage maximum participation by supplemental educational services providers to make sure that parents have a large number of choices.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM EDUCATION WORLD:

• No Educator Left Behind: Time Limit for Choice, Services
• No Educator Left Behind: Spending on School Choice, Services

OTHER RESOURCES:

• U.S. Department of Education: School Choice
  The U.S. Department of Education answers frequently asked questions about supplemental services and choice.
• Education Commission of the States: Supplemental Services
  Criteria for identifying supplemental services providers, maintaining a list of approved providers, monitoring providers, and making sure districts are arranging for the provision of supplemental services.
• The Finance Project: Title I Supplemental Educational Services and Afterschool Programs: Opportunities and Challenges
  Information about funding and implementing supplemental services programs.

Article by Ellen R. Delisio
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Copyright © 2005 Education World