Teachers from all grades and every subject meet twice weekly to create lesson plans that engage students today and prepare them for high school.

• Students seek out main ideas, supporting details, and build skills through assigned reading and research in math, social studies, science/health, and English/Language Arts classes.
• Students develop organizational and time management skills changing classrooms and filing their work in an “evidence folder.”
• Feedback Friday sessions give students one-on-one time with teachers to present their research and writing. We review their progress and adjust lesson plans and teaching approaches as needed.

Academics and social and emotional learning (SEL) opportunities are equally important and interconnected. Each month our school explores a positive character trait. Weekly skill-building exercises reinforce qualities like empathy and kindness within our students, who journal about their SEL progress. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is the framework we use to communicate expectations and actions that make Douglas Middle School a safe and welcoming place to learn.

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.

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 life and experiences. Our staff works together to understand each learner, find appropriate ways to assess and improve their progress, and make sure that students can apply what they have learned in productive ways in school and in their community.

Math and Science

Students learn math concepts and numeracy skills through small-group lessons and hands-on work. Programs like i-Ready and ST Math provide supplemental lessons and practice work under a teacher’s supervision. We combine subjects like health and science, and plan progressive lessons. Students put their new skills to the test by coding computers, designing video games, and measuring with mathematical precision in our GE Innovation Lab.

English/Language Arts

Students receive one hour of dedicated daily literacy instruction, and reading comprehension is prioritized across all subjects. Students grow as writers during journaling exercises and research projects in our Library Media Center. They develop public speaking skills and deeper critical thinking abilities by summarizing, organizing, and presenting information in class discussion. Students are excited to share new knowledge and skills during cultural celebrations and theme nights for family and community.

Social Studies

Social studies combine foundational lessons in civics, economics, geography, history, and psychology. An example: studying the Thirteen Colonies during a history lesson is step one. Next, students head into our GE Innovation Lab where they use 3D printing technology to create models of the Colonies.

Spanish

Students begin learning to read and write one of Milwaukee’s most widely spoken languages during Spanish lessons. Research shows that learning a second language increases a student’s learning and earning potential. Students can continue studying Spanish in MPS high schools and even earn the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy at high school graduation.

Art, Music, and Physical Education

Weekly art, music, and physical education classes help our students grow into creative and centered young people who understand the mind-body connection. Making art, practicing mindfulness, and learning strategy and skills through team sports strengthens school community, and helps students grow into their minds and bodies during the adolescent years.

Special Education

MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, physical, emotional, learning, hearing, vision, and speech disabilities. Our special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to meet students’ needs. Inclusion is an important part of this collaboration. Teachers and staff bring all students together for classes and school-day events as much as possible. Every student contributes something unique to the Douglas Middle School community.

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, or learn more about Specialized Services.