Supplemental Services Guide

Did you know that... many students struggling in reading, math, and language arts are entitled to extra academic help and tutoring?

Family Guide to Choosing
Supplemental Education Services
for Your Child
under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

This guide was developed to help families of children attending Category I Schools in Need of Improvement choose a supplemental services provider that meets their child’s educational needs.

What are supplemental services?

Under Title I of the new federal law known as the No Child Left Behind Act (also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act), children from low-income families who are having trouble achieving academically are entitled to educational assistance at public school expense. This extra help is referred to as Supplemental Services and must be provided to students from low-income families who attend Title 1schools that have been identified as “Category I Schools in Need of Improvement” by the New Jersey Department of Education.

These services are designed to increase the academic achievement of low-income students and to enable these students to meet the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content standards as measured by statewide tests. Providing these services for your child should be part of the school’s plan to improve. For Title I schools in Abbott districts, this is reflected in the Three-Year Operational Plan.

How do I find out if my child is eligible to receive these services?

School districts must notify parents if their child’s school is “in need of improvement.” Schools In Need Of Improvement are those schools who have failed to meet set goals for increased achievement of their students as measured by the statewide tests, the Elementary School Proficiency Assessment (ESPA) and the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA). This notice must be issued each year, in a language and format that parents can understand. The notice must let parents know the options available including supplemental services or the ability to transfer their child to a school that is not in need of improvement. If you are not sure if your child’s school is on the list, you can contact SPAN at 800-654-7726, visit our website at www.spannj.org or contact the New Jersey Department of Education.

If your child attends a school that has been identified as needing improvement and your family meets income eligibility guidelines, usually determined by eligibility for free and reduced lunch prices, your child may be eligible for supplemental services. Supplemental Services must be offered to eligible students with disabilities and English Language Learners. If a school’s Title I funds are not sufficient to provide services to all eligible children whose parents request them, available slots must first be given to the lowest achieving, low-income students.

School Choice vs. Supplemental Services:

For many parents, the option of changing schools is not attractive. In the rural areas of the country, it may not even be an option. If your child is attending a school that is in its first year of improvement and school choice is an option, but you don’t want to change schools, you may request that your child receive supplemental services instead. This option may be implemented on a limited basis.

Remember the goal is to form a partnership with your school to improve student performance. Take this as an opportunity to work more closely with school administrators to help bring your school up to standard.

Join with other families to find out what you can do to improve your school. Contact SPAN’s Parent Leadership Development Institute for information on how families in your school can be effective partners in school improvement.

How do I find out where to get Supplemental Services?

Parents are the decision-maker about Supplemental Service Providers and the responsibility to request these services lies with the parent. You should choose a provider you feel meets your child’s needs from a state-approved list of providers. Supplemental Services must be offered outside of the regular school day (during the summer, before/after school, on weekends) by providers that are certified by the state as qualified to help students to achieve proficiency on the states’ academic assessments. For a copy of New Jersey’s list of approved providers, contact the Department of Education or visit their website at www.state.nj.us/education. If you request it, schools must provide you with assistance in choosing a provider.

What should I know before I choose a Supplemental Services Provider?

Supplemental services in your area may be provided by a variety of organizations. Community-based organizations, education & tutoring corporations, schools (who are not listed as in need of improvement), school districts, religious institutions and groups of individuals (sometimes teachers from local schools who are not listed as in need of improvement) can become supplemental services providers. Before making a decision, find out which type of group the provider is affiliated with and their track record in improving the achievement of students similar to your child.

Remember, the school district will pay for the supplemental services provided. Your district may also pay for transportation, but it is not required to do so. Make sure you ask about your district’s transportation policy before you select your provider.

These services are to be provided until the school is no longer in need of improvement.

What should I expect from a supplemental services provider?

1. A safe, friendly and comfortable environment for your child. Look for a recent fire inspection notice (posted), appropriate space for studying and a state license to care for children.

2. A list of references that includes the names of other parents willing to talk to you about the quality of the program or service.

3. Information that lists the qualifications of the staff (degrees, certification, teaching or tutoring experience).

6. A designated director of supplemental services programs. This person should communicate with your child’s school and his or her classroom teacher to do a better job of monitoring your child’s progress.

· Select a provider that uses certified teachers and/or tutors specifically trained to provide the reading, language arts or math instruction your child needs.

· Make sure that your child is receiving one-on-one or small group instruction (with a ratio of no more than three children to every one adult).

· Make sure that your child will work with the same tutor or instructor on a consistent basis.

How do I plan a program that will help my child?

You, as your child’s caregiver and advocate, together with the school district, and the provider must identify specific academic achievement goals for your child, determine how progress will be measured, and set-up a timetable for improving achievement. In the case of a student with disabilities, or a student covered under Section 504*, these decisions must be consistent with the individualized education program.

2. What should be taught, and how (for example, a plan of your child's program, showing how each goal or objective will be worked on), and the amount of time each day, each week or each month your child will receive services.

4. Where it will be taught. If changes in school buildings are needed, the plan should note the location of services.

5. When the program will begin, how long it will be provided, and when it will be reviewed

6. Modifications, accommodations and related services to be provided for your child, if your child is eligible for special education services.

Basic Program Information to know about your Supplemental Services Provider.

! Mode of instructional delivery (on line, on demand, one-on-one tutoring, etc.).

! Program exit – how it is determined that the student has achieved his/her academic goals and services are no longer required.

! Cost – costs are paid by the district, however, the provider’s cost rate may determine the amount of service your child may receive, per week, per month, per year.

If you are not happy with your child’s provider,

If you are not happy with your child’s provider, you have the right to choose a new provider. You should contact your school district to terminate the contract. If your district does not assist you with making this change and/or you would like to file a complaint against regarding the provider, contact the New Jersey Department of Education.

Additional Resources

National Education Association. “Parents’ Guide to Choosing Supplemental Services.” www.nea.org.

United States Department of Education. No Child Left Behind Website. www.nclb.gov.