Supporting students’ academic performance, classroom engagement, college and career goals, and overall well-being are the focus of these evidence-based programs in place at Gaenslen School:

Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) Program

The Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) Program supports Wisconsin schools working to close the achievement gap for kindergarten through third-grade students from low-income backgrounds. Schools that receive AGR funding offer extra academic and instructional support, which can include:

• Small class sizes (with 18:1 or 30:2 classroom ratios)
• One-on-one tutoring provided by a licensed teacher
• Instructional coaching for teachers

Danceworks Mad Hot Rhythm (MHR)

Danceworks Mad Hot Rhythm inspires our students to move their bodies and work together to create performing art. Participation in Mad Hot Rhythm helps our students boost their self-confidence and creativity, respect and work well with others, and learn that creative movement feels great!

Learning Journeys

Learning Journeys are educational field trips for all MPS students that are designed to take what students are learning in the classroom out into the real world. These annual opportunities aim to expand students’ career awareness (K4–grade 3) and help them explore potential careers (grades 4, 5, and 8).

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

To promote positive student behavior and improve learning, MPS uses a system of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

PBIS is a three-tiered approach that begins by teaching expectations and encouraging collaboration and consistency in classrooms. Teachers and students co-design agreements and routines that align with three districtwide expectations: “Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.” For students who need more support, higher tiers offer structure, interventions, and follow-up to address specific concerns.

After years of use, MPS and other districts across the country are reporting higher student achievement, improved school environments, and fewer classroom disruptions and student suspensions.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Project Lead The Way supports our teachers in incorporating project-based math, science and technology learning, and encourages every child to explore — and believe they can succeed in — jobs in technology and engineering fields. Learn more at mpsmke.com/pltw.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin

We have a strong partnership with the  Junior Achievement of Wisconsin program, which inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin provides activities, guides, thought leadership and other resources to support age-appropriate learning about leadership, jobs, money and more. Lessons are organized according to the Milwaukee Public Schools Social Studies curriculum and are implemented in K5 classrooms, continuing through eighth grade.