Ambitious Instruction Plan

The Milwaukee Public Schools Ambitious Instruction Plan 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.

Common Core State Standards

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

Computer Technology

Students use technology purposefully, including learning how to responsibly use Artificial Intelligence tools. They leave Burdick prepared to utilize tech effectively in their personal and professional lives.

Curriculum

At Burdick School, our comprehensive curriculum is rigorous, interactive, and culturally sustainable. We ensure that:

• Children are active and engaged in learning.
• Goals for students are clear and shared by all stakeholders of the Burdick community.
• The curriculum is comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned to standards.
• The curriculum benefits children and builds on prior learning and experiences.
• Content is learned through investigation and focused, intentional teaching.

Burdick has a rich tradition of educating the whole child. We are one of the few MPS middle schools that offer full-time art, music, and physical education classes, as well as other special academic programs.

Environmental Education

Burdick was designated a Green Ribbon School in 2022, and our curriculum focuses on environmental education for students in all grades. Our green playground and greenhouse allow students to learn, understand, and discuss related academic content. The greenhouse and outdoor classroom provide hands-on opportunities for young students to learn basic sequencing skills, such as the water cycle or the life cycle of a plant. Older students are able to better understand more complex processes like global warming and decomposition. Our green spaces encourage students to learn new concepts and use new vocabulary.

Music

Burdick’s comprehensive music program is a highlight of our academic offerings. Learn more about our music program.

Physical Education (PE)

The physical education program at Burdick teaches valuable lifelong skills in addition to the national and state standards. Our socially responsible model emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, and problem-solving. With the philosophy that “gym is for everyone,” students leave Burdick with skills they need to be successful for the rest of their lives.

Through PE class, Burdick students can also participate in the MPS Ropes and Challenges Program. During this experience, lessons in the gym focus on building social skills. Students then demonstrate what they have learned at Potter’s Forest, a Ropes and Challenges course that includes both low and high elements.

STEM/Robotics

We offer a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum for all grades, and our robotics program is available to middle schoolers. Eighth graders can participate in the Future City program each fall.

Special Education

MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school’s special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to meet students’ needs.

If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child’s teacher or principal for an evaluation. For general questions about special education or specialized services, please call (414) 874-8493.