Biliteral and bilingual abilities require fast and flexible thinking, dedicated study and practice, strong working memory, and multicultural competence.
Here’s how Kagel School students develop these traits:
- Kagel School educators are not only specialists in their fields but also bilingual communicators and strong mentors.
- Spanish is the primary language of instruction from K4 to third grade. By fourth grade, instructional time is evenly split between Spanish and English.
- Students struggling to meet grade-level standards in math and literacy can work with a bilingual academic interventionist. Interventionist teachers provide computer-based resources, individual, or small-group instruction to students.
- Our Two-Way Bilingual Dual Language program combines standards-based academics with social and emotional learning experiences to support a child’s overall well-being.
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.
Curriculum
Art, Library, Music, and Physical Education
Specialist teachers lead art, music, and physical education classes. Students learn about mind-body wellness, beautify our school with their creativity, and study and perform the music of Spanish-speaking communities worldwide. A collection of bilingual children’s literature is available in our Library Media Center, which students visit three or four times per month.
English and Spanish Language Arts
Teachers provide 90 minutes of reading, writing, and oral language instruction per school day. Children build literacy skills by exploring print and multimedia texts from diverse genres. New technology and online learning tools are part of the experience. Students learn to think critically and to express complex ideas in their own voice when writing, speaking, or performing.
Spanish is the primary language of literacy instruction. English literacy instruction starts in second grade and increases gradually every year.
Act 20: Milwaukee Reads
Teaching students to read requires skill and science. Act 20: Milwaukee Reads takes a science-based approach to literacy from K4 to third grade. Students are screened and receive additional support as needed to strengthen early-literacy skills like combining letters and sounds to create words, building vocabulary, and reading and writing with expression and clarity. Act 20: Milwaukee Reads support includes evidence-based instruction, assessments, and a personal reading plan so students become capable, confident readers.
Interventions
Learning every subject is easier when students read proficiently and at grade level. Students in any grade who need more support building their Spanish- or English-language literacy skills can receive academic interventions and resources during and beyond the school day.
Math
Educators implement effective teaching practices, so students learn, practice, and apply critical math skills. Grade-level standards and assessments help students accumulate mathematical knowledge and skills that prepare them for success in middle and high school. Math is taught in Spanish from K4 to fifth grade with opportunities for students to bridge their learning to English. Middle school students learn the math curriculum in English with opportunities for students to bridge their math learning into Spanish.
Social and Emotional Learning
Educating the whole child means providing equal opportunities so all Kagel students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Teachers develop classroom routines, and model healthy communication and calming skills to help students feel secure in school, manage the big emotions of childhood, and refocus on lessons when necessary.
- K4 teachers use Frog Street social and emotional learning curriculum.
- K5 to eighth-grade teachers use Second Step curriculum.
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.
Two-Way Bilingual Dual Language learning is an inclusive experience at Kagel School. Children who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are included in academic and social and emotional lessons and field trips whenever possible and work with our bilingual special education staff.
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.