No Child Left Behind
Overview: NCLB
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), is the largest federal program funding elementary and secondary education in the United States.
Authorized in 2002, NCLB brings many important changes to the way schools operate. For example, NCLB:
- insists on high expectations and high standards for all students;
- holds schools responsible for results;
- promotes teaching methods that have been proven to work;
- gives parents greater choices; and
- helps parents take a strong role in their children’s education.
Title I
There are ten education programs, or “titles,” that make up NCLB. The biggest is Title I, the program that provides funds to schools serving low-income students to help them provide the best education for their students.
In exchange, schools are expected to meet goals for teaching all students to state standards and to make strong efforts to involve parents in their children’s education. In fact, NCLB states that parents are key partners in helping their children succeed in school and in helping schools improve.
Free Tutoring: Supplemental Education Services (SES)
Supplemental Education Services (SES) is a program funded by the federal government as part of the NCLB law that provides free tutoring to students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch at selected schools. Tutoring is offered to eligible students outside of the traditional school day by a variety of providers. The programs are designed to help improve students’ skills in reading, writing and mathematics. If your child is eligible for the program, funds from the federal government will pay for your child’s services up to $2,076.21.
Supplemental Education Services (SES) Brochure, 2008-2009 - including answers to Frequently Asked Questions and descriptions of providers
SES Application Form, 2008-2009 - Deadline extended to November 7, 2008.
Visit the "Welcome" pages of this site for translations of these publications in the following languages: Cape Verdean creole, Chinese, Haitian creole, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.
For more information
The Guide to the Boston Public Schools for Families and Students (see the Publications page) explains the different parts of NCLB and outlines your rights and responsibilities as a parent. It covers these topics, among others:
- Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
- School Choice
- Supplemental Educational Services
- School and District Report Cards
- Teacher Qualifications
- Parent Involvement Policy
- Home-School Compact
- Whole School Improvement Plan
- English Language Learners
- Unsafe School Choice Option
- and more.
The following websites also provide families with important information about the federal law, including details about how it is implemented here in Massachusetts:
U.S. Department of Education: No Child Left Behind
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: NCLB for Parents and Guardians
Parent's PLACE, the Massachusetts Parent Information and Resource Center
For more information, contact your child's school, or call the BPS Family and Student Engagement Training Center at 617-635-7750.
