Statement from Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson on Supplemental Educational Services

Thursday, May 17, 2012

DOE Press Office (850) 245-0413

Statement from Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson on Supplemental Educational Services

"Currently, more than 74,000 students in Florida who attend Title I* schools have an opportunity to participate in Supplemental Educational Services (SES) and get the extra help they need to be successful in school. Because of our diverse population, Florida offers parents and students the choice to participate in after-school programs within the school district or through private service providers.

"In this year's legislative session, Florida legislators dedicated an amount equal to 15 percent of Title I, Part A funds available to schools for SES in the 2012-2013 school year.

"Florida sought a flexibility waiver from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act last year precisely because we wanted to have the flexibility to make decisions for our students and our schools that are right for Florida. Suggesting that our state and our legislators were not acting in the best interest of Florida's children reinforces how important it is that our state be allowed to chart a course that is right for Florida."

* Title I schools have a significant percentage of enrolled students who are economically disadvantaged.