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Programs, usually within the formal education system, that provide supplementary instructional services for children who are experiencing learning difficulties and are at risk for academic failure and/or dropping out of school, often as a result of living in poverty, experiencing racism, growing up in single-parent or other nontraditional family structures, entering school with a primary language other than English or other social and cultural factors. Compensatory education programs target students who are performing significantly below achievement expectations in language arts, math and/or reading; and feature low teacher-student ratios, individualized instruction, cross-age tutoring and, in some areas, a wide variety of field trips and cultural experiences.