Brainerd Public Schools recognizes that within the district, there are students whose primary language is not English or have a family whose primary/first language is not English. The District shall provide appropriate educational support services to help these students acquire English Language Skills that will enable them to meet established academic standards.

Each student enrolled in Brainerd Public Schools will be given a Home Language Survey upon enrollment in the district that will be kept on file either in paper or electronically. If parents indicate any language other than English on any of the four questions, Brainerd Public Schools will screen and identify if the student is an English Language Learner or a Non-LEP. This identification process will take place within the first 30 days of enrollment if the student is enrolled during the first quarter (k-8th) or semester (9-12th) of school and within 10 school days if enrolled after the first term using the appropriate language proficiency assessment (WIDA screener 1-12 or Kindergarten MODEL for K). (MDE- Minnesota Standardized English Learner Procedures).
 

Resources

• English Language Learner Program Plan

Gifted and Talented programming in the Brainerd Public Schools strives to reflect our district’s mission to provide “Opportunity, Innovation, and Success” for all students. At every level, we are committed to:

• Offering opportunity that challenges and extends the thinking and skills of our most capable learners.
• Striving to provide innovative services/programs at all sites and at all levels. This process continues to evolve.
• Modifying and enhancing the curriculum to support the success of this unique population.

Definition of Gifted/Talented

According to the State of Minnesota, Gifted and talented children and youth are those students with outstanding abilities, identified at preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. These students are capable of high performance when compared to others of similar age, experience, and environment, and represent the diverse populations of our communities. These are students whose potential requires differentiated and challenging educational programs and/ or services beyond those provided in the general school program. Students capable of high performance include those with demonstrated achievement or potential ability in one or more of the following areas: general intellectual abilities, specific academic subjects, creativity, leadership, and visual and performing arts.
 

Resources

• Elementary Gifted Program
• Forestview Middle School Gifted Program
• Brainerd High School Gifted Program
• Gifted Education Education Websites
• Minnesota Council for the Gifted & Talented Website

The Indigenous Education Program works to support Indigenous students' belonging, learning, and wellbeing by providing equitable programming that includes a learning environment that reflects their Indigenous cultures. Areas of focus include:

• Support postsecondary preparation: college tours; connections to resources and supports: scholarships, Upward Bound/Trio, applications, financial aid

• Academic achievement: graduation Round Dance; check & connect between students and staff; encouragement of study groups and mentorships

• Culturally relevant curriculum: Indigenous Education staff works in consultation with the AIPAC to make curriculum recommendations regarding Indigenous people(s) to the district; connect staff to professional development opportunities

• Positive reinforcement of self-image: Indigenous experts in schools: authors, performers, speakers, elders; Indigenous Peoples Club support

• Intercultural Awareness: Cultural Field Trips; In-school cultural programming: singing, beadwork, regalia making, language, etc.
   

Funding and Eligibility

The Native American Education Program is funded through the MN Department of Education and Title VI U.S. Department of Education American Indian Education grants. Students enrolled in Brainerd Public Schools who identify as Native American are eligible for program services. We encourage parents or guardians to complete a 506 form for their child to help gain access to additional program funding.

Brainerd Public Schools participates in the federally funded Title I student support program. The schools that qualify for and are receiving Title I funds are Garfield, Harrison, Lowell, and Riverside Elementary schools. All four Title I schools have implemented school-wide programs, which serve students in grades K-4 by implementing school-wide reform strategies.

A school-wide Title I Program uses Title I funds to upgrade the entire educational program of the school and serve ALL students. All staff support the School-wide Program project and are working in their area of licensure. All paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in the Title I schools meet federal qualification requirements.

Each school-wide plan is reviewed and revised annually by stakeholders to help all children at the school meet the state’s high academic standards.

Our Middle Level Alternative Program, located at the Brainerd Learning Center, also qualifies and receives Title I funding for targeted services to support identified students.

• Title I Parent & Family Engagement Policy
• School-Parent Compact