Schools, flush with cash previously allocated for SES, are attempting to continue providing supplemental education services for a fraction of previously offered per pupil allotments (PPA’s). Schools have chosen to either run their own ”extended learning” programs by assigning additional responsibilities to former school site supervisors or by hiring, “extended learning” coordinators. Typically, this involves pulling students out of classes during the day and requiring teachers to provide afterschool tutoring. This option is not without its issues. Some of these students are also being pulled to meet with behavior specialists and other professionals. Students cannot be pulled from classes when their primary teacher is conducting a review or administering an exam, nor can students be compelled to attend after-school tutoring and will often not do so without incentives. Thus, while these schools aim to offer 50+ hours of tutoring to their under-performing students, actual application proves this goal unattainable.

In the alternative, school districts are partnering with former SES providers and requesting they provide the same level of service for as little as $5.95 per student hour of instruction (PPA’s under SES would typically range from a low of $25 per hour of instruction up to $90 per hour of instruction). To accompany this proposed low per people allotment, school districts are demanding as much as 84 hours of instruction. Neither model is sustainable in the long term.

I suspect school districts will come to see the true value of the services provided by SES providers and we will return to a system similar to what was offered under former President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act.

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy

There is an approved Vermont SES Business for Sale.
$40,000 with negotiable terms.
E-mail vermontses@gmail.com for more information and reference Joe Lansing.

Now that a number of states have opted out of SES, the remaining states offering SES are literally flooded with applications. While the states offering SES say that every application, as long it provides evidence of a high quality application, will be accepted, that may not actually be the case. In the case of two applications with similar information, the out of state applicant often receives lower scores and in some cases significantly lower scores. A low score often translates into an application denied. If you are an SES provider submitting an application in a state that is not your home state, do be sure to get a local address that you will use on your application as well as a local number (easily obtainable from Google Voice).

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy

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The answer to first question – Is Free Tutoring Over? – For all intents and purposes is yes…for now. Will students still receiving tutoring free of charge? Some will. Will parents have a choice with respect to who their child tutors with? The answer is no.

The answer to the question, “Now What?”, depends on who is asking the question. For parents, now you have to decide how you will approach your child’s education. Will you seek alternatives, like charter or choice schools? Will you look for other free or low cost tutoring options for your student? Will you demand your school use some of the intervention funds they receive for free tutoring? Will you look toward 21st century programs for your child’s supplemental education?

For SES (Supplemental Education Services) providers, the answer is a little more complicated and nuanced. To determine, “now what?” an SES provider must answer four questions:

1. Was your SES tutoring company successful?
2. Did you enjoy direct contact with children?
3. Did you enjoy direct contact with parents?
4. DO YOU WANT TO STAY IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION?

Most SES tutoring companies will define their success in terms of financial success, however, a successful SES company is one that is not only financially successful but one that achieved operational success. Operational success is defined as maintaining 100% compliance with all government regulation, documenting verifiable academic gains, and maintaining an excellent reputation with parents, students and school districts. If your company can be described as successful, the answers those four questions will determine your path going forward. Did you seek direct contact with students and parents? Does the field of education offer you personal and financial satisfaction?

If the field of direct education continues to interest you, you have several options with a few listed below:

1. Open a charter school;
2. Focus on private tutoring; or
3. Focus on grant based intervention models like drop out prevention.

If you want to remain in the business of education but do not want direct contact with parents and students, there are some other options:

1. Start a professional development company;
2. Start a teacher evaluation company; or
3. Develop an education software program.

The third option is to leave the business of education all together. Depending on your level of financial success with SES, the choices in this category are limitless.

For all intents and purposes, government funded free tutoring is over and both parents and tutoring companies have to plot their next course of action.

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy
(How to start and run an afterschool tutoring business)

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Charter schools have been getting more attention now that states are relaxing or eliminating restrictions. With this attention comes detractors and increased liability.

Prior to operating a charter, most business are aware of insurance requirements. Typically, charter schools will seek protection, through insurance, from breach of contract claims, wrongful termination claims, and negligence claims. In this regard, charter schools face the same risks school districts and their Boards of Education face.

The hidden liability comes in the form of personal claims against the charter founders and operators. Those personal claims are often made in media and can have a profound effect on the charter school’s operation. Accusations against charter school leadership affect a charter school’s ability to retain students, recruit students, and raise funds.

Take the case of a former charter school operator we will call “Mr. Hunt”. Mr. Hunt was the founder of a charter school as well as a local politician in his state. His charter focused on at risk students and low income students. The school, like many charter schools, faced challenges bought on by limited start up funds, a misunderstanding of compliance obligations, and an adversarial relationship with the school district. While the school was working on correcting their deficiencies, Mr. Hunt was also running for political office. His adversaries, through newspaper articles, accused him of misappropriating funds. While these charges proved false, the damage was done, and the charter was revoked. Transparency and advocacy are two strategies all charter schools should employ to protect themselves against these types of attacks. Charter schools should include the cost of an independent yearly, financial audit as part of their budgets. This audit, performed by a Certified Public Accountant, may include:

1. A description of how your business currently receives or plans to receive funds (e.g. grants, fees-for Service, etc.);
2. The organization’s proposed budgets, which accounts for all revenues, expenses, and cash flow activity; and
3. The organization’s actual budgets, which accounts for all revenues, expenses, and cash flow activity.

Then there is the case of a charter school operator charged with tax evasion and co-mingling funds, revealed in part because of a European vacation. Charter schools operators should pay strict attention to organizational and financial compliance or face personal liability for omissions.

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy
(How to start and run an afterschool tutoring business)

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The evidence suggests an NCLB Waiver Request is more of a formality rather than an objective process to improve education standards for students across the United States. In light of this reality, school districts, like the Guilford County School district in North Carolina, have made the decision to discontinue free tutoring for parents saying, “At last night’s Guilford County School’s Board of Education meeting, the Board decided to discontinue implementation of Supplemental Educational Services (SES) at the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year, pending approval of the waiver.” (This was contained in an e-mail sent to SES providers on April 27th, 2012)

What is interesting is that North Carolina will also have to vote in a shortened legislative session on education reforms presumably a condition of the waiver. Those reforms include eliminating teacher tenure, funding an extra 5 days in the school year (a reform that will require more money amidst budget cuts), and eliminating state financial support for an alternate route program (those interested in entering the teaching will instead have to pay around $5,000 for the privilege).

There is no guarantee these reforms will pass. Some educators have expressed doubts about funding these initiatives – Cumberland schools superintendent Frank Till calls North Carolina GOP plan ‘education reform on the cheap’ – while others question holding this kind of vote in a shortened legislative session.

The question is – if the reforms do not pass or if the vote is delayed, will North Carolina still be able to enjoy the “flexibility” of the Waiver? School districts seem to be moving forward as though they have received a waiver request and the general assembly has agreed to the reforms. While the state is likely to receive a waiver, the fate of the “reform” vote is much less certain.

Even if the legislature passes the education reform vote, those who understand how the system of education works, understand that implementation takes time – usually a full school year. How will school districts respond to the new requirements?

The North Carolina dilemma is just one example of the problems facing states who accepted waivers from the Department of Education. Waivers are presented as the answer to a flawed education system but it seems as though what we have are more questions.

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy
(How to start and run and afterschool tutoring business)

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Education has become increasingly data driven over the last decade of education reform and tutoring companies who want to continue serving the needs of school districts will have to provide data about their tutoring programs.

There are three types of records all tutoring company’s should be keeping in their tutoring businesses:

1. Financial Data
2. Student School Academic Gains
3. Student Standardized Test Score Gains

Financial Data

Student School Academic Gains

There are two reasons a student will receive tutoring services, and academic gains is one of them. Those tutoring companies who keep track of their data and are able to show consistent academic gains, year after year are in the best marketing position. The cost of tutoring services matters little in the face of gains. Those records are also required by many education grant government applications and extremely useful when offering “proof” to parents about the effectiveness of your services. Tutoring companies will want to get a record of student report card grades the year prior to tutoring and record the gains the year the student is in tutoring.

Student Standardized Test Score Gains

In addition to student academic gains, there is a heavy emphasis placed on student scores on state standardized tests. Other standardized test like the ACT and SAT also factor heavily in the student’s lives and documenting student standardized test score gains will serve to validate the effectiveness of your tutoring program.

Keeping good records in your tutoring business is vital if you are serious about running a successful tutoring business whether you cater to private pay clients or rely on government contracts. If you need your education government contract reviewed, please feel free to contact me at info@sestutoringbiz.com.

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy
(How to start and run a successful tutoring business)

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Career and college readiness is the new buzz phrase in education along with 21st Century Skills. While there is turmoil in current education law with states implementing changes to comply with NCLB waivers, the emphasis on career and college readiness skills appears steady.

Tutoring companies need to demonstrate that they understand the current trends in education, including most states’ adaptation of Common Core Standards and that their programs are designed to improve achievement based on those trends. Common Core standards are clearly defined making it a straightforward task to align any tutoring program to the widely used standards. Career and college readiness skills are not so well defined.

Career and college readiness skills are loosely defined as the skill sets necessary to either enter an entry level position or be prepared to take college level courses without remedial work. That means a student must have the math and reading aptitude necessary to do well in these environments as well as some grasp of workplace skills.

Typically, college readiness skills invoke an image of a student competent in the subjects of reading, writing and math, however, those who have attended college can attest to other skills that were also vital to success in the collegiate atmosphere. Time management skills, public speaking skills, and negotiation skills are just three skills that do not require a test but do require mastery for college success.

There is very little consensus on what constitutes career readiness skills but presumably these skills would also require a student is competent in the subjects of reading, writing and math as well as in possession of time management and negotiation skills.

What is missing from the market? Specific career and college readiness offerings. The potential offerings are plenty – in the realm of college readiness – Writing College Level Papers, Setting your course schedule, balancing work and class schedules are just a few “classes” a tutoring company can offer. Schools often find their seniors have light schedules and are looking for ways to meet their career and college readiness objective and tutoring companies are in a position to fill this void. What is your company going to offer?

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy
(How to start an afterschool tutoring business)

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Irrespective of group demographics, every small group of students carry potential for behavioral issues. Some of those issues stem from a sense of entitlement on the part of the student or parent while other behavioral issues may arise because of the group dynamics. Behavioral Issues have to be addressed and managed to ensure students are receiving the instruction intended. There are seven steps every provider of small group tutoring should follow to address and manage behavioral issues:

1. Prior to tutoring, ask the parents if their child(ren) has any known behavioral issues – this is best accomplished by asking parents to fill out a survey that asks whether the student(s) has been to the principal’s office for behavioral issues, whether the student has ever been suspended for behavioral issues, and/or if the child is taking any medication for behavioral issues.

2. Be sure to have all current parent contact information including home numbers and work numbers – in addition to having parent phone numbers, ask for the phone numbers for a close relative who will be available in case the parents are unavailable like an aunt/uncle or grandparent.

3. Prepare your instructors to fully engage students throughout the lesson, stand and walk around during each session – children will often take the opportunity to misbehave when you have your back to them, if the instructor is standing, he/she can see all students at one time while physically maintaining a position of authority.

4. Set the tone at the first session – children are listening during that first session – they may not be behaving, but they are listening – it is crucial to set expectations for behavior, define poor behavior for them and clearly explain the consequences of poor behavior.

5. Reward positive behavior – ideally the students will be more interested in the rewards than the consequences.

6. Follow through – the first time a student misbehaves, follow through on the consequences. If other students see there are no real consequences to poor behavior, the group will be lost.

6. Escalate if necessary – if a student does not respond to either the positive reinforcement or the consequences of poor behavior, parents should be contacted immediately. If you can not reach the parents, then a home visit may be necessary.

7. Be prepared to dismiss the student – parents are sending their children to your tutoring session to learn and if one student is disrupting the dynamics of the classroom by interrupting the learning process, the student may need alternative arrangements including one-on-one tutoring or dismissal from the entire program.

Success in tutoring is defined as students making gains in the subject they are tutored, if those gains are hindered by behavioral issues, then success will remain elusive. In order to be successful, every education company that offers small group tutoring must address any behavioral issues in their small group tutoring.

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy
(How to make money running an after school tutoring business)

Many education companies understand the value of offering advanced technological services to their clients (whether private paying clients, community partners or school districts) without increasing costs on the part of the client. Until recently, there were two barriers to offering services available only through the Internet – lack of equipment and Internet access. Those barriers are quickly falling as more students gain access to the Internet through Ipad and Tablet devices. A growing initiative to connect more United States Citizens, irrespective of income, will result in a significant shift in the way tutoring services are primarily delivered.

Comcast now offers a low cost Internet connection option for $10.00 for low income families and most businesses offer free Wifi on their premises. Some cities, like Asheville, NC also allow for free Internet access throughout city limits.

The cost of equipment has also decreased dramatically resulting in families owning at least one Internet capable device in their homes – whether through a gaming system or an IPAD.

This is a perfect storm for education companies without a brick and mortar operation with which to base services. Now that barriers to access and equipment are being torn down, an education company should consider how to offer value added services without increasing costs. One very effective tool that offers just that opportunity is the free online curriculum offered by SAS Curriculum Pathways.

The Curriculum offered by SAS Curriculum Pathways is aligned to State specific education standards as well as to Common Core Standards. Each web lesson includes a lesson guide (lesson plan), worksheets and quizzes for students. The student will not be able to complete the quiz unless all of the answers are correct. All core subjects are covered by the software program including Science, Math, English, Spanish and Social Studies. What makes this software particularly useful (other than being free) is that it is designed for middle school and high school students. Thus, it can be used as a stand alone or blended tutoring program. The software can be used for remediation, credit recovery or accelerated learning tutoring sessions – all that is required is hardware and an Internet connection.

The educational landscape continues to change creating a scenario where those companies that embrace the technological shift will continue to enjoy massive success going forward.

S K Tilton Author
SES Finally Made Easy
SES Financially Made Easy
(How to start an Afterschool Tutoring Business)

Free Municipal Wifi Hotspots:

Arizona
Tempe – Downtown area
Chandler – Downtown area (time limited)

California
Alviso – Downtown public space area
Burbank – Downtown area
Cupertino
Cerritos
Covina
Culver City – Downtown business district
Foster City
Fullerton – Downtown wireless zone
Galt
Grass Valley
Hayward – City Hall area
Hermosa Beach
Isla Vista – Downtown area
Long Beach – Downtown area
Livermore
Mountain View – Google WiFi
Nevada City
Pacifica
Parlier
San Joaquin
San Jose
Santa Clara
Sunnyvale
West Hollywood

Connecticut
Meriden
Middletown
Rockville

Florida
Hollywood
Gainesville – Downtown Community Plaza
Kissimmee
Lakeland
Lauderhill
Monticello
Ocala – Downtown square area
Plant City
Sanford
St Petersburg – SmarTown
St. Cloud
Tampa – Downtown area
Winter Park

Georgia
Athens
Macon – Downtown area

Hawaii
Honolulu – Chinatown area

Idaho
Idaho Falls

Illinois
Kankakee

Indiana
Fort Wayne

Iowa
Marshalltown – Downtown, historic and business area

Kentuky
Paducah

Louisiana
Baton Rouge – Downtown area

Maryland
Annapolis – Downtown area
Ocean City – Downtown area
Silver Spring – Downtown

Michigan
Midland – Downtown area
Grand Rapids – Rosa Parks Circle

Missouri
Saint Louis – Downtown area

Montana
Helena – Downtown walking mall

New Hampshire
Peterborough – Downtown area

New Jersey
Elizabeth

New York
Albany – Downtown business district
Buffalo – Buffalo Theater District
Glen Cove
Lancaster – Chamber of Commerce area
LancasterNew Rochelle – Downtown area
Rochester

North Carolina
Apex – Downtown area
Asheville – Downtown area
Davidson – Downtown area
Forest City – Downtown area
Mount Airy – Downtown area
Winston Salem – Downtown area

Oklahoma
Stillwater – Burdick ave area

Ohio
Dayton
Worthington – Downtown business district

Oregon
Coos Bay – Downtown area
Sisters – Downtown area

Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh – Central business district, North Shore and Lower Hill district
Wilkes-Barre – Public square area

South Carolina
Columbia – Five Points District
Greenville – Downtown wireless zone

Texas
Brenham
Corpus Christi

Virginia
Halifax

Washington
Chehalis – Downtown area by City Hall
Kent – Downtown wireless hotzone
La Conner
Spokane – Downtown area over 100 blocks
Stevenson – Downtown around waterfront

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