The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires schools to test all students in grades 3-8 and again in grade 11. In Maine, these tests are called the Maine Educational Assessment, or MEA. The State Department of Education uses MEA test scores to determine how well a school is meeting the state requirements for student achievement. If a school does not meet the required number of students with passing MEA scores for two consecutive years, the school is then labeled a Continuous Improvement Priority School (CIPS1). Each consecutive year of failure to meet AYP is indicated by the number following the CIPS label (i.e. CIPS2, CIPS3). The NCLB Act requires that districts with CIP schools offer parents some educational options.

During the second year of CIP status (CIPS2), schools must offer supplemental educational services (SES) to qualifying children. Supplemental educational services can include tutoring and other academic enrichment services that are provided in addition to the regular school day. Services must use research-based approaches and be specifically designed to help students meet the state's academic achievement standards (the Learning Results in Maine).

In order to qualify for SES, students must be eligible to receive free or reduced lunch. Since funding caps may limit the number of children who receive supplemental educational services, priority is given to the lowest performing eligible students.

SES activities must be provided after school or on the weekend and a CIP school may not be the provider of these services. The State has approved a list of SES providers that schools must share with parents. Parents may choose any provider on the State's approved list that provides services in their district or general geographic location. Many states, including Maine, have also opted for distance-learning SES providers who provide online tutoring support to students. Parents may choose from any of these distance-learning SES providers. Schools may provide transportation to SES, but the law does not require them to do so. The parents of the qualifying student make the final decision when selecting an SES provider.

Districts must provide appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities who are receiving supplemental educational services. If the available providers on the state list are not able to provide the necessary accommodations, the district is responsible for ensuring an appropriate supplemental education, either directly or through a contract. In addition, any supplemental service provided to students with disabilities must be consistent with the student's IEP or 504 plan.

Maine PIRC (Parent Information and Resource Center)
PO Box 2067 Augusta, ME 04338
1-800-870-7746 or (207) 623-2144
Website: www.mpf.org Email: parentconnect@mpf.org