Learning supports are the resources, strategies and practices that provide physical, social, emotional and intellectual support, enabling students to have an equal opportunity for success at school. Learning supports address barriers to and promote engagement in learning and teaching.
Learning Supports Speaker Series
Our free Learning Supports series offers information and helpful tips on timely and relevant parenting topics. Sessions are held at the ESC Boardroom, 1350 W 106th Street (enter at Door 5) from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Upcoming topics:
- Nov. 19, 2024: Resilience, Not Indulgence - The Importance of Building Resilience to Curb Substance Use
- Jan. 28, 2025: I Don't Want to Go! - Strategies to Help Families Overcome Barriers to School Attendance
- Feb. 25, 2025: The Need for Nature: The Importance of Play and Being Outside for Mental Health
- Mar. 25, 2025: When Trauma Happens at Home: Responding to Trauma in a Way that Ensures Mental and Physcial Well-Being for All
The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has an identified disability but doesn't qualify for Special Education services receives accommodations to support their learning.
The Indian Education Program is committed to working together with parents and families in order to meet the unique educational and cultural needs of students of American Indian heritage.
Contact
Hiedi Hecker
American Indian Education Coordinator
952-806-7954
hhecker@isd271.org
Certified therapy dog teams provide social, emotional and physical health benefits which boost student confidence, improve attendance and increase test scores.
See district Policy 899 for more information.
Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about therapy dogs or to schedule a team visit at your setting.
Contact
Carol Nannemann
952-681-5779
cnannemann@isd271.org
We know that regular school attendance is linked to academic success, benefits students socially, establishes good habits and provides opportunities for communication between teachers and students.
School counselors are vital members of our middle and high school teams. Counselors help all students with academic achievement, personal/social development and career development.
Jefferson High School Counseling Kennedy High School Counseling
Bloomington Public Schools prepares all learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world by aiming to provide them with equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction, curriculum, support, facilities and educational resources.
Contact
Alejandra Gutierrez
Program Secretary
952-681-6420
agutierreznavarro@isd271.org
Dinna Wade-Ardley
Director, Office of Educational Equity
952-681-6417
952-681-6411 - fax
dwade@isd271.org
Students in foster care often require additional support. We work with child welfare agencies, communities and families to reduce educational disruptions and provide specialized services often essential for students in foster care to be successful in school and in life.
Contact
Carol Nannemann
952-681-5779
cnannemann@isd271.org
Fusion is a free program offered through Targeted Services for middle school students. This programming provides students with experiences that support academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Fusion is offered Monday-Thursday from 2:45-4:45 p.m at all three middle schools. Activity buses are available after programming to those who are bussed to school regularly. Students may also walk home or be picked up after programming.
Fusion activities vary slightly by school and include; academic support, musical theater, robotics, executive functioning support, arts, gym games and leadership opportunities.
Contact
Mike Bornetun
mbornetun@isd271.org
Targeted Services offers additional learning opportunities to targeted K-8 students who may be performing below grade-level expectations or are at risk of failing to meet standards. Students are selected for before- or after-school or summer programs designed to build academic skills and help students develop organizational and social/emotional skills.
We provide an array of services for students experiencing homelessness from birth through adulthood under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, with programs fitting within general, special or community education.
Contact
Carol Nannemann
952-681-5779
cnannemann@isd271.org
We offer instruction for students who are unable to attend school due to prolonged illness, disability, suspension or expulsion. Families can connect with their school principal at the elementary level or their school counselor at the secondary level to learn more.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is an instructional framework that includes universal screening of all students, multiple tiers of instruction and support services, and an integrated data collection and assessment system to inform decisions at each tier of instruction.
PAUSE is a program that provides an alternative to out-of-school suspension.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. PBIS schools teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about other subjects like reading or math. The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment.
Contact
Heidi Agee
hagee@isd271.org
Transformative SEL is about developing our skills across the 5 competency areas. This work supports us in staying centered, navigating relationships, adapting to dynamic situations, staying organized, and cultivating the agency that promotes educational equity and excellence. In BPS we support both students and staff in developing our SEL capacities.
Contact
Heidi Agee
hagee@isd271.org
Summer Quest
Summer Quest is a free summer learning experience offered through Targeted Services for current BPS students entering grades 1-6 who are recommended by their teachers. Families select their Quest preferences based on needs and interests and students then engage in hands-on activities, field trips and more! Participants attend programming at the Oak Grove campus, Monday-Friday from 8-2pm. Breakfast, lunch and transportation are provided.
Contact
Graciela Duran
952-681-6512
gduran@isd271.org
Targeted Services offers additional learning opportunities to targeted K-8 students who may be performing below grade-level expectations or are at risk of failing to meet standards. Students are selected for before- or after-school or summer programs designed to build academic skills and help students develop organizational and social/emotional skills.
Bloomington Public Schools applies for and receives federal funding under various title programs including:
Title I
The largest federal program aiding elementary and secondary education, Title I provides supplemental funding to ensure students from low-income families succeed academically.
Title II
Title II aims to improve teacher and principal quality through recruitment and professional development.
Title III
Title III aims to improve and enhance the education of English language learners (ELLs) and immigrant students by helping them attain English proficiency and meet state academic achievement standards.
Title IV
Title IV provides academic enrichment opportunities, improves school conditions, and increases the use of school technology.
Title VI
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal funds or other federal financial assistance.
Contact
Dr. Molly Coyne
Director of Learning Supports
mcoyne@isd271.org