Frequently Asked Questions about SES

What are Supplemental Educational Services (SES)?
Supplemental Educational Services are free academic assistance or tutoring programs for eligible students. The services may be offered after school, on weekends at the school, at the provider's center, at a library, or sometimes as a student's home. SES programs are provided to eligible students by many educational organizations that have been approved by the New York State Education Department. Parents of eligible students must apply at their school to receive SES for their child.

Which students are eligible for services?
A students is eligible to receive Supplemental Educational Services if he or she:

1. Is currently enrolled at Hackett Middle School or Philip Livingston Magnet Academy, and

2. Qualifies for the school's free or reduced price lunch program.

Why are Hackett Middle School and Philip Livingston Magnet Academy required to offer SES to eligible students?
Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, middle schools must make what is called "adequate yearly progress" in achieving state academic standards based on student performance on the New York State English Language Arts and Mathematics Exams given in eighth grade. Both Albany middle schools did not meet adequate yearly progress in 2005, and have been identified by the NYS Education Department as Title I School In Need of Improvement. As Schools In Need of Improvement, both Albany middle schools must offer eligible students SES.

Are ALL students who are currently enrolled in Hackett Middle School or Philip Livingston Magnet Academy eligible to receive SES?
No, only those students who qualify for the school's free or reduced price lunch program are eligible to receive SES. Students who pay full price for lunch are not eligible for SES even though they attend the schools.

Are all eligible students guaranteed SES services?
We currently anticipate that all eligible students will be able to receive SES. 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 needs. This meant that the eligible students who have the greatest educational needs will be accommodated first.

Are students enrolled in other Albany Public Schools eligible for SES?
No, only students who currently attend Hackett Middle School or Philip Livingston Magnet Academy may be eligible for SES.

Where can parents get more information about SES?
Both Hackett Middle School (462-7143) and Philip Livingston Magnet Academy (462-7154) have staff on hand that can provide you with more information about SES. Parents may also speak to the principal, assistant principal, or guidance counselors at either school to get more information. Additional information also is available at the district's Office of Instruction, 475-6015.

How to parents apply to receive SES for their children?
Parents of eligible students enrolled at either Hackett Middle School or Philip Livingston Magnet Academy received a packet at the beginning of the school year that contained information about SES. Listed below are the steps outlined in the packet that parents must follow in order to apply for SES.

1. Read the letter from the letter from Superintendent of Schools (download here) that was provides information about the middle schools and options available to parents under No Child Left Behind.

2. Carefully review the New York State Education Department-Approved Supplemental Educational Services Providers list. The list identifies participating tutoring organizations in alphabetical order, as well as the organizations main office address. Information about how to contact them and a description of their tutoring program is also listed.

3. Contact any SES program provider that may be a good match for you child's academic needs. You should ask about what will be taught, who will teach your child, where the tutoring will take place, and what times tutoring will be available. Find out if the instruction matches what your child needs to learn in school. Find out if your child will need access to a computer with Internet capabilities. Find out how the SES program provider will inform you of your child's progress. you may consult with your child's school for assistance in selecting the SES provider.

4. Complete the SES Learning Plan. When you and the selected provider have agreed on an instructional program, have the SES provider complete the Service Provider sections. At this point the provider, and then you, must sign and date the form. Remember, the final decision is yours.

5. Submit the SES Learning Plan by the November 3 due date. Once the form is completed and signed, the provider of your choice will submit it to the Office of Instruction at Academy Park for processing. Be sure the completed form is submitted no later than November 3, so your child may begin to receive SES as early as November 20.

6. Notification of SES: Once the form is submitted and processed, you, the SES provider, and your child's school will be notified of final approval. Remember, in accordance with the Federal law, if there are not sufficient funds to grant all requests for SES, the district will give priority to requests from eligible students with the greatest academic needs.

7. Start SES: The provider you selected will contact you with specific detailed information about your child's program. If the completed form is submitted by November 3, SES could begin as early as November 20. The program, as approved, is provided as no cost to you. Every effort should be made to ensure that your child fully participates in this program and that the SES provider maintains contact with your child's school.
   NOTE: The district provides for the actual cost of the SES program for you child or up to the annual maximum amount set by the NYS Education Department, which ever is the lesser amount. The City School District of Albany is not required to provide or pay for transportation to and from the SES provider location.

8. Complaints: Sometimes a parent may be dissatisfied with their selection of a SES provider after services have begun. Usually conflicts or concerns can be resolved at the school level. If reaching a resolution is not possible at the school level, the building principal will direct your concern to the person who can be most helpful. Parents may enroll for SES only one time. Therefore, special care should be taken when selecting a Supplemental Educational Services provider for your child.

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