Setting
This study included all students in the Los Angeles Unified School District who were eligible for Supplemental Educational Services (SES) during the 2005-2006 school year. There are 28 different SES service providers reported (e.g., Boys and Girls Club of America, Ace Tutoring Services, Kumon Math and Reading Centers). Services were provided on school campuses as well as at the service providers' locations. Services were offered before school, after school, during the summer, and on weekends; times of services varied according to service provider.
Study sample
The sample consisted of 18% in elementary school, 48% in middle school, and 34% in high school. Almost half (49%) were female, and the majority (85%) were Hispanic, with 9% African American, 3% Asian/Pacific Islander, 2% white, and 0.3% other. Eleven percent had disabilities and 7% were in the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. The majority (88%) received free or reduced-price lunch.
Intervention Group
The intervention in this study was the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) program, which included free supplemental academic services offered to eligible students. These services were diverse in format, delivery, and content. Twenty-eight different service providers participated in this study, with services aimed at improving mathematics skills, English language arts skills, basic education skills, and social skills. Service locations varied as well, with some services offered at school sites and some offered at the service provider's location. SES were offered during non-school hours (e.g., before school, after school, weekends, and summers).
Comparison Group
The comparison condition for this review includes those students who were eligible for SES but chose not to apply. This represents a business-as-usual comparison.
Support for implementation
The authors report students' participation levels (low, medium, and high) but do not provide any other information about implementation. Of the 23,086 students who applied for SES, 14,759 attended an SES program.