FAQ - Parents

What are Supplemental Educational Services (SES)?

Under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), SES provides extra academic help in reading and mathematics for economically disadvantaged students in eligible schools.   

How much does it cost? 

The program is FREE!  In order for your child to be eligible for free tutoring, your child must attend a Title One school in its second year of school improvement and be eligible for Free/Reduced price lunch.

When and where are the services provided?

Tutoring sessions are provided before school, after school or on Saturdays.  Intensive services are conducted in your child’s school using research-based instructional curriculum that specifically identifies and assists your child's academic needs.

Who are your tutors and what are their qualifications?

All of FELC Tutors are district teachers who are state-certified and highly qualified in their subject area. This also ensures that all tutors have cleared all background checks.

Does it cost anything?

No – if your school has FELC Tutors, the tutoring is free if the student is on Free/Reduced lunch. If your school doesn’t currently have FELC Tutors, we also offer private tutoring for a minimal cost.

How can I find out if my school has FELC Tutors?

You or your parent can go to your guidance counselor or administration and ask them, or you can check our list of participating schools.

Assuming my school has FELC, how do I get the tutoring?

Simply go to the front office and find out when they will be available.  All you have to do is show up.

What subjects?

Currently, free tutoring is in English/Writing/Reading, Math, Science, and Study Skills. If you need help in a specific subject not listed, we may be able to help with private tutoring.

How long does it last?

It depends on what you need.   Usually, tutorial sessions are in 1-hour intervals.  You may need multiple sessions to get caught up or to practice your skills.

Should I tell my teacher?

Absolutely.  Most teachers are very pleased to know you are trying to get help – and may be able to provide you/tutor with information that would be helpful to your tutoring.

Will there be extra homework?

No – we’re not trying to add to your stress.  However, while you’re getting assistance, you’ll be practicing the skills you need to finish your homework already assigned by your teacher.

What are supplemental educational services?

According to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, supplemental educational services are free tutoring and other supplemental academic enrichment services that are in addition to instruction provided during the school day. These services must be of high quality, research based, and specifically designed to increase a student’s academic achievement on the state’s academic assessments toward proficiency in meeting the state’s achievement standards.

What role do district policymakers play in SES?

District superintendents and administrators play a crucial role by:

• notifying eligible families regarding supplemental educational services and about local provider options
• entering into contracts with providers selected by families
• paying providers
• working with providers to set achievement goals for students
• encouraging local organizations to apply to be supplemental educational services providers
• helping the state monitor the performance of providers

Who is eligible to receive supplemental services?

Eligible students are all students from low-income families who attend Title I schools that are in their second year of school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. If funds are insufficient to provide services to each eligible student, priority must be given to providing services to the lowest-achieving eligible students. The district must use objective criteria to determine the lowest-achieving students. For example, the school district might focus services on the lowest-achieving eligible students in the subject area (reading or mathematics) that caused the school to be identified as in need of improvement.

What is a state-approved provider?

A state-approved provider of supplemental educational services is a non-profit or for-profit agency that has a demonstrated record of effectiveness in increasing student academic achievement; is capable of providing supplemental educational services that are consistent with the instructional program of the school district and the state’s academic standards; and is financially sound.

How long should supplemental educational services be provided to eligible students?

The school district must provide supplemental educational services to a student receiving such services until the end of the school year in which such services were first received or until the per-pupil allocation is expended for that student. The school district is required to make supplemental educational services available to eligible students on an annual basis until the Title I school in which the student is enrolled makes adequate yearly progress for two consecutive years.