Supplementing Struggling Schools
Years after the enactment of No Child Left Behind, most parents are aware that schools across the country are held to more consistent standards and that schools are judged on the performance of their students. However, many parents in so called under-performing schools often feel hopeless about the educational opportunities available to their children.
Federal law requires schools that have fallen short of state learning standards for three consecutive years to pay for any low-income student in that school to receive “supplemental educational services,” or free academic tutoring. Unfortunately, many low-income families do not know that they are entitled to supplemental educational services and, as a result, do not take advantage of the opportunity.
How Washington Appleseed is Helping
As part of the Appleseed Network's ongoing parental involvement advocacy, the national Appleseed Center developed a guide for parents to help inform them of their child’s entitlement to supplemental educational services in some circumstances. In addition to defining the right to supplemental services, the guide also walks parents through the steps to take to secure these services for their children.
Publications
If your children attend an underperforming school and your family is low-income, you may qualify for supplemental educational services. Download a free copy of Making it Clear: How Federal Law, Parent Involvement and Free Tutoring for Students in Struggling Schools Go Together to learn more about these services and how you can access them for your child.
Pro Bono and Community Volunteers