Student Support Services

All students can learn and grow at New Code Academy

All learners are invited to find their future at New Code Academy. As part of Bloomington Public Schools, the New Code Academy team is committed to preparing 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.

Student support services are the resources, strategies and practices that enable students to have an equitable opportunity for success at school by addressing barriers to — and promoting engagement in — both learning and teaching.

Special Education

Special Education services for New Code Academy are part of the overall school district services provided to approximately 1,700 children ages birth through 21 within the community of Bloomington. 

At all grade levels of New Code Academy, we have designated Multi-Categorical Special Education Teachers who provide small group services as well as one to one support.  Services are determined through a team meeting prior to or upon enrollment.

All students will be enrolled in and expected to attend grade level classes, have their cameras on during instruction, and respond to all staff in class/breakout rooms verbally or through chat options. A student's IEP may address individual needs regarding engagement in the accommodations identified by the team.

 The Special Education Teachers collaborate with the General Education Teachers to ensure provision of accommodation and determine where any modifications may need to take place.  They also provide case management for all students who receive special education services. An Early Childhood Special Education representative is available for consult for early learners.

Related Services (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Developmental/Adapted Physical Education, Speech, Social Work, Visual Impairment, Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Nursing) provision will also be reviewed prior to or upon enrollment to determine updated service minutes in accordance with the online schedule.

Ruth Murray
Instructional Strategies & Digital Learning Manager for Special Education
Special Education Services
1350 West 106th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-681-6520
rmurrary@isd271.org

Gifted & Talented

New Code Academy’s gifted and talented programs are provided by Bloomington Public Schools, known across the Twin Cities for the way we help highly academic and creatively gifted students continue to grow and be challenged.

Our programs are designed to enhance the unique capabilities of gifted children. Our programs include five major components:

  • Integrated Curriculum
  • Critical thinking and creative expression
  • Social and emotional development and enhancement
  • Family engagement and parent education
  • Taught by Gifted Education Specialists and Gifted & Talented trained teachers  

New Code Academy students in all grades benefit from differentiated teaching with options for advanced learning and enrichment opportunities supported by Gifted & Talented staff.

English Language Program

Our English Language (EL) Program helps prepare EL students to meet grade-level standards or higher. Our goal is to meet the linguistic, language academic and cultural needs of the students. We advocate for the use of students' home language and development of early literacy skills at home and in the classroom because those literacy skills will transfer to English. 

More than 93 languages, other than English, are spoken by students and families in our district. The English Learners (EL) program serves nearly 1,300 students per year.

The Bloomington EL curriculum uses language standards that are aligned to the Minnesota State Standards. EL teachers in Bloomington teach students the academic language, vocabulary and background information that are necessary for students to acquire English and learn grade-level content. 

The Bloomington EL Program collaborative model:

  • EL and classroom teacher coordinate instruction 
  • Both the language and content needs of the English Learner are being met
  • Students receive explicit instruction in language acquisition 
  • Language supports are embedded throughout the curriculum

All students new to the district fill out a Home Language Survey upon enrollment. 

  • Students who have a language other than English on their Minnesota Home Language Survey will be tested for the EL Program using the WIDA Model test for Kindergarten and the WIDA Screener for grades K-12. ACCESS Scores from the previous year will be used to identify students moving from other districts in Minnesota. Pre-kindergarten students will be screened using the Pre-LAS assessment.
  • Parents will be notified via mail if a student is eligible for EL Services
  • Parents or guardians may remove their child from the EL Program at any time by signing a waiver available through the EL teacher. However, students will still be required to take the state EL assessment.
  • EL Teachers may consider additional criteria for EL identification such as teacher observations and judgement, parent recommendations and other developmentally appropriate assessment instruments.

In order for a student to exit the EL Program, EL students must meet the following guidelines:

  • ACCESS Composite Score of 4.5; and
  • a score of 3.5 in three of the four domains: speaking, listening, reading and writing.