1. How do students at a school qualify for school choice?
Title I schools that do not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for at least two years in a row come under what the Federal Government calls school improvement status.  All students who are enrolled in these schools are eligible for school choice.  This includes incoming sixth grade to middle school or Kindergarten students who are registered to attend that elementary school.

2. What determines AYP?
AYP is determined by the school grade along with several other factors including the number of students taking FCAT and how well specified groups of students perform on the reading, writing and mathematics portions of the test.  A school that receives a grade of “D” or “F” will not make AYP.

3. Can a parent choose any school as a choice site?
Under NCLB, parents must be offered a choice of at least two schools other than the child’s home school.  These can include other Title I schools that have made AYP, or any non-Title I school with a grade of “C” or better.

4. Must a parent choose to send their child(ren) to a different school?
No.  Title I schools receive additional funding and have access to a variety of programs to help all children learn.  Just because a school does not make AYP, that does not mean that children are not being successful. 

5. When must a parent decide to select a different school?
Based upon current NCLB time lines, parents whose children attend a Title I school that qualifies for school choice will be notified by U.S. Mail in mid to late summer.  Parents have 30 days to return the selection form if they want their children to go to a different school.  It is very important that parents return the form regardless of their choice.

6. How will the choice locations be decided for a Title I school that does not make AYP?
The area offices will identify other schools, within the same geographic area of the home school that qualify as choice locations.  Transportation routes will then be established to bus students to one of these alternate locations.

7. Will a parent always get their first choice location?
Every attempt will be made to place the child at the school of first choice.  However, NCLB requires that students of greatest need, must be given the highest priority.  Greatest need is determined by Free/Reduced lunch status and by academic performance on FCAT reading.

8. If a parent does not get their first choice, can they decide to remain at their home school?
Yes.  Remaining at your home school is always an option.

9. Will there be other times during the year when a parent can choose to move a child?
The District offers multiple opportunities for students to select a different school including the re-assignment process. Under NCLB Choice, there will only be one opportunity per year. This is to allow for transportation routes to be developed and the hiring of appropriate staff.  It also provides for consistency in the child’s educational environment.

10. Can a choice school refuse to take a transfer student based on overcrowding?
No.  If a student is transferred to a new school under NCLB Choice, the school must accept the student.

11. What must a parent do once they receive a confirmation of a transfer to a choice school?
It is most important that the parent register their child at the new school on or before the first day of the school year.

12. What if a child is already attending a different school, like a magnet?
A magnet school placement is already a choice made by the parent.  However, if the magnet school does not make AYP, the parent will have options, including the option to return to the home school.

13. If parents enroll their child at a Choice school can they change their mind and move the child back to his/her home school?
No.  Once the child attends the Choice school, he/she must remain for the entire school year.

14. If a child completes the highest grade level offered at a Choice school, do they go on to the feeder middle or high school for that Choice school?
No. The child will return to their home middle or high school (unless a different Choice location is offered at that time).

15. What is SES?
SES or Supplemental Educational Services are tutoring sessions offered to students at Title I Schools that have not made AYP for three or more consecutive years.

16. Is SES available to all students in a Title I school?
No. It is only an option for those students receiving free or reduced price lunches and may also be limited to those who are low achieving based upon available funding.  A student who selects School Choice, may NOT receive SES.

17. How and when is the SES tutoring provided?
The parent selects a provider from a list of State-approved vendors. SES must be offered before school, after school or on Saturdays.  The tutoring sessions may be held at your child’s school or at the provider’s location.  Services begin after the parent chooses a provider and a contract is approved by the School Board.

18. How can parents decide which tutoring company is best for them?
The District will be offering several Provider Fairs throughout the year.  Parents can attend and talk with different providers about times, locations and types of tutoring available before making a decision.

19. When does a parent select SES for their child?
The same process is used for both SES and Choice.  Parents return the request form that will be mailed to their home this summer.  A parent can only select one option – Choice or SES, if both are offered.  If the child is not on free or reduced price lunch, then the only option is a School Choice. While School Choice is limited to a one-time selection, parents of all eligible students will have other opportunities to take advantage of SES after the school year begins.

20. Who should a parent call with questions regarding School Choice or SES?
Parents should first call their child’s school.  However, if they are unable to provide appropriate assistance, the following locations can also provide support: Title I Office – (754) 321-1400 or the NCLB Office – (754) 321 –3030.