Extended School Services
Students are staying extra hours to study, others come early, and some
are looking forward to academies. Why do these students want to work harder
and stay longer at school? They are participating in a program called
Extended School Services or ESS. This program allows schools to schedule
extra time and help for students from the primary grades through high
school. Money to operate this program in every school district is provided
through funding from the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). ESS doesn't interfere with regular classes since it is provided outside normal school hours. ESS classes may be scheduled before and/or after school, evenings, on Saturdays, or in the summer. In those schools with alternative calendars, ESS may be held during intersessions. Most districts offer a multi-faceted program with different class scheduling options. Extra time and assistance are available from teachers to help students master material rather than have them flounder and possibly drop out of school. Help includes peer tutoring, small class instruction, homework support, and improvement of study skills.
Extended School Services is not a separate, stand-alone program. It is a continuation of the regular classroom program. The instruction provided to ESS students is a carefully coordinated effort between the student's regular classroom teacher and the ESS teacher. It is essential that instruction in an ESS classroom has specific ties to the content area(s) causing the student difficulty in the regular classroom. By building content knowledge and process skills, the ESS program can provide stimulating instruction outside the regular school day to meet specific learning goals for eligible students. ESS works in conjunction with many other elements of KERA. It supports such initiatives as school councils, development of writing portfolios, summer learning programs, the primary program, and high school restructuring initiatives. ESS is intended to support the regular academic program, not replace it.
ESS touches the hearts of students and parents who have spent anxious nights worrying about school, despairing about poor report cards, or feeling defeated by homework or portfolio assignments. ESS is a free program available to students. It serves any student during his or her public school experience. ESS is tailored to help all students learn at higher levels.
Pulaski County School System Academies are from 8:30 until 2:00. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to ESS students. Students must provide their own transportation on the first morning of each Academy, and then free transportation is provided by the district each morning and afternoon for the remainder of the Academy. In addition to the Academy schedule, schools offer after school tutoring and Great Leaps reading instruction.
• Fall Academy October 4 - 7
• Winter Academy January 3 - 6
• Spring Academy March 14 - 17
• Summer Academy Immediately after closing of the school year
The following are some commonly asked ESS questions and answers.
Q. Is ESS only for students who are failing?
A. No. Students having short-term problems with their studies may also
participate in ESS if they are referred by a parent, teacher, or if they
self- refer. Some students are referred to ESS because of academic problems
that may take longer to " overcome”. For example, an ESS student may have
difficulty catching up with classmates after summer vacation or the student
may have missed classes because of a prolonged illness. Students not
performing well in the instructional program of their age group also may
participate in ESS. Even students who usually perform at average levels may
occasionally encounter problems with their schoolwork. For example, if a
student is enrolled in a required science class and experiences problems, he
or she may request extra help through an ESS program. Students are referred
to ESS when they are not meeting the academic expectations of their
instructional programs. ESS teachers provide the extra time and support that
allows students to reach a higher level of success. Due to limited funds
however, a district may not be able to serve all students at the time of
their initial referral.
Q. How can students get into ESS?
A. In most cases, students are referred by classroom teachers. Referrals may
also be made by other school staff, parents, or by the students themselves.
Requests for placement in extended school programs are given to the
principal, a school counselor, or the ESS building coordinator who will then
determine if the ESS offerings would be appropriate and helpful to the
student. Students may move in and out of the ESS course offerings according
to their current needs. Some students may need a longer time period with ESS
than others. The key to successful ESS programs is to intervene early enough
before students have developed serious gaps in their learning.
Q. What services may students receive?
A. Common services include tutoring and small class instruction. Many
schools provide homework assistance and instruction for study skills
improvement. Support services such as parent training, transportation, and
school-based counseling may also be provided to enhance the program. Each
district determines the services to be provided in its ESS programs based on
student needs.
Q. Are students required to attend ESS?
A. Not usually. However, a law passed by the 1992 General Assembly states
that a local school board develop a policy by which students are required to
attend ESS programs. Such a written policy must identify students who are
mandated to attend and any exceptions to that policy. Districts must inform
the Kentucky Department of Education if attendance is required. A few
districts have developed this type of policy. ESS cannot be used as a
penalty for disciplinary purposes, for truancy, or for trouble in school.
Q. How do I know if my child needs ESS?
A. If your child is having difficulty with school- work, you can talk to his
or her teacher about ESS. The teacher can help you decide if ESS is needed
and why. If the school staff believes your child needs ESS, you will be
notified. Your permission is necessary for your child to participate. The
notice should describe the times when ESS classes are available. If a school
district requires ESS attendance, you will also be notified of the policy.
Q. If my child attends ESS, how will I know if the program is helping?A. Teachers and ESS instructors will provide regular reports about your child's progress. If you do not see improvement in schoolwork and grades, discuss other instructional approaches with the teachers.
Q. How can I help if my child is identified for the ESS program?
A. There are many ways to help the ESS program be successful for your child
such as: Give approval for your child to attend and let him or her know that
you expect regular attendance while involved with the program; show interest
in the work your child does in ESS; praise and encourage your child often
for working harder; visit the program to gather ideas on how to help your
child at home; develop a working relationship with the regular classroom and
the ESS teacher(s) and let your child know that you are in contact with his
or her teachers; encourage your district to develop a parent training
component within the district's ESS program; and become involved in the
goal-setting stages of your child's instructional program.
Q. My child in the third grade can't get into an ESS program. Is there an
appeal process available for parents?
A. Yes. Each district is required to have a written policy on file at the
district's central office describing the appeal process for ESS. The
following describes what should be included in the appeal process policy:
The actual procedure for filing an appeal; the members of the appeal board
and who is responsible for making the final decision; documentation
procedure (what is required in terms of documented student information); and
dissemination methods (how the district informs stakeholders of the appeal
process).