{"id":20,"date":"2013-10-24T18:13:15","date_gmt":"2013-10-24T18:13:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www5.milwaukee.k12.wi.us\/school\/alba\/?page_id=20"},"modified":"2026-01-15T16:48:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:48:29","slug":"academics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mps.school\/alba\/academics\/","title":{"rendered":"Academics"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_class=”page-intro” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

ALBA students are Spanish speakers who participate in a\u202fdevelopmental\u202fbilingual program.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]This means students are first instructed in their native language to develop strong literacy skills in Spanish\u2014before they learn English. An English as a Second Language (ESL) Specialist provides support as students begin informal English language instruction.<\/p>\n

Individual students learn languages at different rates. Because of this, we believe there is not an approach that fits all students. While one student may be ready for formal English language instruction in the middle of second grade, another may not be ready until third grade. We tailor students\u2019 instruction to match the pace of their language development.<\/p>\n

In each of the primary grade levels (kindergarten to second grade), the amount of English instruction increases each year. Students eventually reach a 50\/50 level in third grade that continues throughout their time at ALBA. This means they alternate between one week of instruction in English and one week in Spanish.<\/p>\n

Our school\u2019s goal is to develop bilingual learners, so students continue to receive reading instruction in both languages. To truly be bilingual, they must maintain their Spanish skills throughout elementary school.<\/p>\n

For more information, please see ALBA\u2019s\u202fLanguage Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ambitious Instruction Plan<\/h2>\n

The Milwaukee Public Schools Ambitious Instruction Plan<\/a> recognizes and celebrates that our students come from many cultures and backgrounds. This plan focuses on high-quality, culturally appropriate teaching and learning. Our goal is to ensure that every student develops reading, writing, and math skills in ways that are meaningful to their individual lives and experiences. Our staff works together to understand each learner and find appropriate ways to assess and improve their progress. We then make sure that students can apply what they have learned in productive ways in school and in their community.<\/p>\n

Common Core State Standards<\/h2>\n

The curriculum in Milwaukee Public Schools is based on Common Core State Standards<\/a>. These standards were developed with teachers, school administrators, and experts to prepare all children for college and the workforce.<\/p>\n

Primary Years Programme (PYP)<\/h2>\n

The International Baccalaureate PYP<\/a> for children ages 3 to 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.<\/p>\n

Special Education<\/h2>\n

MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school\u2019s special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to meet students\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child\u2019s teacher or principal for an evaluation. For more information, please review the ALBA Special Needs Policy<\/a>. For general questions about special education or specialized services<\/a>, please call (414) 874-8493.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ALBA students are Spanish speakers who participate in a\u202fdevelopmental\u202fbilingual program.This means students are first instructed in their native language to develop strong literacy skills in Spanish\u2014before they learn English. An English as a Second Language (ESL) Specialist provides support as students begin informal English language instruction. Individual students learn languages at different rates. Because of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

Mission Statement<\/h2>\r\nThe mission of ALBA School is founded on the conviction that bilingual students can reach their full potential academically, in English and Spanish, when challenged through a rigorous curriculum that develops critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity through the integration of the fine arts. Our students will develop self-confidence and self-worth as their Hispanic cultural identity is both recognized and valued through the curriculum as they prepare to be internationally minded life-long learners. Parents are vital partners in this mission.\r\n\r\nALBA students participate in a\u00a0developmental<\/em>\u00a0bilingual program. This means students are first instructed in their native language\u2014Spanish. We make certain that students possess strong literacy skills in Spanish, before they begin to learn English. Students begin informal English language instruction through the support of an ESL (English as a Second Language) Specialist.\r\n\r\nWe believe each student is different, and that there is no one approach that fits all students. For example, one student will be ready for formal English language instruction in the middle of the year in Grade\u00a02, while another will not be ready until early in Grade 3. Individual students will also learn languages at different rates.\r\n\r\nIn each of the primary grade levels (Kindergarten - Grade 2) the amount of English instruction increases until the students in Grade 3 or Grade 4 reach a 50\/50 level. For example, third and fourth graders at a 50\/50 level have worked up to a routine of receiving one week of instruction in English and one week in Spanish. Bilingual skills are important, and so students continue to receive Reading instruction in both languages everyday from Grades 3 through 6. To truly be bilingual, students must maintain Spanish skills throughout Elementary school. For more information please see our\u00a0Language Policy<\/a>.\r\n

Enrollment<\/h2>\r\nALBA Charter School is a bilingual school that was designed to serve pupils whose first language is Spanish. All students, regardless of first language or disability, are enrolled in the school\u2019s bilingual Spanish\/English program.<\/strong>\u00a0 ALBA School does not provide transportation for any students, except as a related service if required in the student\u2019s IEP.\u00a0 Families desiring to enroll their child at ALBA must apply during the MPS\u00a0district kindergarten open enrollment time period each winter.\u00a0 In the case that more students apply than seats are available, a lottery\u00a0is conducted. Notification is sent to families in the spring of their acceptance or if put on the waitlist.\u00a0For any available middle school seats families apply during the MPS district Kindergarten open enrollment period. In accordance with Charter School Law, Wis. Stat.118.40(3)g2., as a Charter School ALBA gives preference for enrollment to: pupils who were enrolled in\u00a0ALBA School in the previous school year; to siblings of pupils who are enrolled in the ALBA School and to children of the school\u2019s founders, governing board members, and full-time employees, with a limit of such children to no more than 10% of the total enrollment.\r\n

Charter school audits can be found here:<\/h2>\r\nAnnual Performance\/Compliance:\u00a0https:\/\/drive.google.com<\/a>\r\n\r\nBiannual Financial:\u00a0https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/<\/a>\r\n\r\nAnnual Wisconsin Charter School Program 20-21:\u00a0Audit 2020-2021<\/a>\r\n

Support Services<\/h2>\r\n
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ALBA School support staff\u00a0include a variety of\u00a0staff\u00a0members who provide social emotional and specialized\u00a0instructional support to students .\u00a0School support staff\u00a0play an important role in ensuring students are learning in a safe and supportive learning environment.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\r\n

Special Education<\/a><\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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Milwaukee Public Schools is dedicated to identifying, locating and evaluating student with suspected special education needs from the ages of 3-21. Eligible students with disabilities will be provided with a free and appropriate public education consistent with the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). ALBA School has\u00a0 kindergarten, primary and intermediate Special Education resource teachers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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Speech and Language Services<\/a><\/h2>\r\nThe Speech and Language Disabilities Program serves approximately 6,000 students in public, private, and parochial schools within the corporate boundaries of the district. Spoken communication is the foundation for reading, writing, and all human interaction. Speech-language pathologists emphasize the delivery of collaborative, curriculum-aligned services to all students to help them develop competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.\u00a0 The Speech Pathologists at proudly bilingual, providing IEP services to students in their native language.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

Psychological Services<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

School psychologists help students at all grade levels to succeed academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with school staff, parents, community agencies, and other professionals to help create healthy and supportive learning environments. School psychologists also help to strengthen the home\/school\/community connection for all students. Ms. Caro is at ALBA on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

School Social Work<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

School social workers provide an ecological approach to promoting student success. They assist children and families by examining factors in the home, school, and\/or community that impact a student\u2019s education success and work toward reducing barriers to learning. Ms.\u00a0Gonzalez\u00a0is at ALBA daily.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

School Counseling<\/a><\/h2>\r\n

The Milwaukee Public Schools recognizes that comprehensive school counseling programs are essential to each student\u2019s academic achievement, personal and social development, and career success. College and career readiness is a major aspect of the experience at our schools. School counselors serve as a school leader, student advocate, and team collaborator to remove systemic barriers to student success. Mr. Maier is at ALBA on Mondays, Wednesdays and alternate Fridays.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Academic Achievement<\/h2>\r\nAnnually students in 3rd-6th grade take the Forward Exam.\u00a0 The test covers English Language Arts and Math.\u00a0 In fourth grade students are tested in Science and Social Studies as well.\u00a0 These results are used in part to determine the annual school report card. On the 2020-2021 Wisconsin School Report Card ALBA was graded as Exceeding Expectations with 71.8 points. To see the ALBA School Report Card in detail, follow this link:\u00a0https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/\r\n\r\nStudent achievement data by subgroup is seen in the report below.\u00a0 To\u00a0learn more about the School Report Card please visit\u00a0https:\/\/apps2.dpi.wi.gov\/reportcards\/\u00a0<\/a>\r\n\r\nMore information\u00a0about the scoring for\u00a0school report cards can be found at:\u00a0https:\/\/dpi.wi.gov\/accountability\/resources<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n
Links to Academic Standards<\/h5>\r\n