_Dear Judy,

My daughter scored below a 3 at the State test for math. She is in 5th grade and not doing well with math. I requested to put her in the extended time help period but was told that the school only has extended day for ELA. I was told that there is something called Academic intervention and I asked for that. Is the school not obligated to provide extra math help for those who do not meet the standard requirements? How can I ensure that the principal will provide her with extra math tutoring? Is there any other department within the DOE that I can contact if my daughters school does not offer the help I requested?

Bronx Mom_

Dear Bronx Mom,

Yes, indeed there is a requirement to provide academic intervention services for kids who score in the level 1 or 2 range on standardized tests. Like many policies these days, it is up to the principal to put it in place. I imagine that budget shortfalls have a lot to do with reducing the service, but that should not stop the principal from providing help to a student who needs it. Since you have already spoken to the principal, do what the DOE recommends: contact your school's network leader. The network leader is listed on your school’s [online report card.

](http://schools.nyc.gov/StudentSupport/AcademicInterventionServices/default.htm)

If this strategy is not helpful, take the problem up the ladder through your district superintendent and on to the Chief Academic Officer and Senior Deputy Chancellor, Shael Polakow-Suransky. Call the parent support lines:  (718) 935-2009 or (212) 374-2363, or use the main number, (718) 935-2000 where the operators may be able to connect you.

But in the meantime, while all this is going on, your daughter needs help. You should ask the teacher how you can work with her at home. Elementary school parent teacher conferences are coming up the week of Nov. 14 and you will have a scheduled time for this discussion. I suggest you send a note to the teacher in advance to advise her that you want some advice so she can prepare.

Look for online resources. I did a quick Google search and found many free sites that could be helpful for you and your daughter.  To get an idea what kids in her grade should know in math, log on to the NYC family guide. And don’t forget the very helpful Dial a Teacher, a telephone homework help service staffed by NYC teachers who can walk her through current math problems.

Good luck.

Judy Baum