Ambitious Instruction Plan

The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) 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 MPS 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.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Support

MACL provides English as a Second Language (ESL) support for students who are developing their English language skills. Two dedicated ESL teachers work across grade levels and collaborate closely with classroom teachers to provide targeted support. Together, they help students strengthen their communication, literacy, confidence, and access to grade-level learning, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

International Newcomer Center

Mandarin Chinese Language Program

At MACL, students in all grades receive weekly Mandarin language instruction. Taught side-by-side with staff members by a dedicated Chinese language teacher, these lessons prepare our students for success in a diverse world. Through our unique program, they learn one of the most spoken languages in the world, and they’re also exposed to Chinese culture.

The 5 Cs: Goals for Language Learning at MACL

The goals of our program include:

1. Communication: Students will be able to engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions in Chinese.
2. Cultures: Students will gain knowledge and an understanding of the cultures of the Chinese-speaking world. They will be able to demonstrate a relationship between the practices and perspectives of these cultures and their own culture.
3. Connections: Students will acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are unique to Chinese language and culture. Students will reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the study of Chinese.
4. Comparisons: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of Chinese culture and language with their own.
5. Communities: Students will use the Chinese language both inside and outside the classroom to show evidence of becoming lifelong learners.

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.

Specials

MACL has full-time specialists for art, music, and physical education. Students also take library once a week.

Wisconsin Act 20: Early Literacy Remediation

Teaching students to read requires skill and science. Act 20 states that all Wisconsin schools must provide science-based early literacy instruction from K4 through third grade. Evidence-based instruction, assessments, and personal reading plans for those who need additional support help all students become capable, confident readers. Skill development includes combining letters and sounds to create words, building vocabulary, and reading and writing with expression and clarity. Learn more about Act 20 in MPS.