Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q	What is "No Child Left Behind?"
Q	What right do parents have about school choice under NCLB?
Q	What is "Adequate Yearly Progress"?  Who decides if a school has made AYP?
Q	If a school does not make Adequate Yearly Progress does it mean the school has "failed" or is a "bad school"?
Q	I am choosing a new school for my child.  Should I apply for schools that made AYP?  What else should I consider when making my choices?
Q	If my child goes to a school improvement school what should I do?
Q	What are Supplemental Educational Services?
Q	Who is eligible for Supplemental Educational Services?

What is “No Child Left Behind”?
“No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) is the federal government’s largest funded program for elementary and secondary education. Its purpose is to give extra money to schools and school districts that serve many low-income students. The resources must be used to
improve academic achievement in basic subjects and, as one strategy, engage families in the education of their children. NCLB is the new name for the Elementary and Secondary Act, which was reauthorized in 2002 with many changes.

What rights do parents have about school choice under “No Child Left Behind”?
NCLB gives parents in Oklahoma City Public Schools the following rights (among many others):

1. The school district must inform you if your child’s school is on the Oklahoma Department of Education list of schools that have not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two or more consecutive years.

2. If your child’s school is on this list, you have the right to request a transfer to another school within the district based on the available options that are provided to families to select from.

3. If your child’s school is on the list for three years, you may request a transfer to another district school, or you may keep your child in the same school and receive supplemental educational services, with certain restrictions. Your child may not receive supplemental services and a school choice transfer.

What is “Adequate Yearly Progress”?  Who decides if a school has made AYP?

NCLB requires public schools in every state to inform parents if their child's school fails to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in English language arts, mathematics, or both. AYP is based on statewide tests. AYP in Oklahoma has been defined as meeting or exceeding the growth target for (API) Academic Performance Index scores in all disaggregated student groups in reading or math. These include each racial category, limited English, special Education, and Free and/or Reduced Lunches. Tests results impacting AYP from the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests will evidentially include criterion-referenced tests of the state curriculum taken at Grades 3 through 8 and end-of instruction exams in Algebra I, Biology I, U.S. History and English II to measure a school’s progress. The Oklahoma Department of Education uses a formula to set each school’s goal for annual improvement.

If a school does not make Adequate Yearly Progress, does it mean that the school has “failed” or is a “bad school”?
No. It means only that the school has not improved at the rate required by the State. Some schools with very low scores make AYP, while other schools with much higher scores do not make AYP.
 

Why?

Because AYP is based on the school’s rate of improvement, not on the school’s actual test results.

I am choosing a new school for my child. Should I only apply for schools that made AYP? What else should I consider when making my choices?

You should consider many factors when choosing a school. Be sure to visit several schools before you apply. Is the school welcoming, respectful of children and adults, orderly, and full of displays, of high-quality student work? Do the principal and staff seem caring and professional? Are
students spending a lot of time on the academic subjects – especially reading and math? Are students actively engaged in student achievement and other test results, and be sure you are satisfied that the school is making measurable academic progress – but AYP is only one of many
factors to consider.

If my child goes to a school improvement school. What should I do?
You can either keep your child in the school, or you can request a transfer to another school. Talk to the teacher and principal before you decide. Are you and your child happy with the school and the teachers? Do you think your child is making good academic progress? If so, you will probably want to stay in the same school. Also, keep in mind that changing schools is very disruptive to both the child and the school. Researchers have found that children who change schools frequently are less likely to do well academically than children who stay in the same school.

What are Supplemental Educational Service?
Typically, Supplemental Educational Services (SES) are tutoring services that take place outside of regular school hours. The purpose is to improve students’ literacy and math skills so they can meet high standards. These services may be provided in your child’s school or at another location; hours and content will vary by program. The services are free, but transportation is not normally provided to or from any SES program. SES programs will be provided by the State approved service providers. The parent may choose the program that seems best for the child and most convenient for the family. You can get more information about available SES programs from your child’s school or visiting the Oklahoma State Education Department web-site.

Who is eligible for Supplemental Educational Services?
Students in regular education, special education, and bilingual programs who are enrolled in Campuses in their 2nd year of school improvement schools and who are eligible for free or reduced-cost school lunch are eligible for SES. But keep in mind that federal funding is limited, and there may not be enough seats for every eligible child who requests SES participation. If this happens, students with the greatest academic need will receive first priority.

 

To apply for Supplemental Educational Services (SES):

1. Enrollment generally occurs at the start of each school year.

2. Get the forms and information. Parents of students at eligible schools are notified by mail. You can also get them from the school or at the Title I office.

3. Decide on the program you want from the State approved list.

4. Meet with the program provider to complete a written agreement.

5. Give the agreement to the services provider and they will forward it to the Title I office. Once approved services families and the provider will be notified in writing and services may start.

6. Services are generally provided throughout the school year in an after school setting.

To request a NCLB School Choice transfer:
At the start of each school year, parents/guardians at designated school improvement campuses will be notified by US mail. Complete an application at your child’s school and return it to the Title I Office. Generally a deadline is set within a few weeks after the school year has started to minimize the disruption to students.