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.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Sponsored by the College Board and taught by Barack Obama SCTE teachers, Advanced Placement courses give students the chance to tackle advanced content and earn college credit.
Career and Technical Education
Students can earn high school and college credit, develop workforce-ready trade and technical skills, and participate in internships and apprenticeships.
Career Classes and Pathways
Students can take career-focused classes taught by Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) instructors. A popular course option is Barbering/Cosmetology.
Barack Obama SCTE also offers two specific career pathways for students. All participating ninth graders take PLTW Engineering Essentials.
Construction Pathway
- Grade 10: HVAC 1 at MATC (TV150 and TV160)
- Grade 11: HVAC 2 at MATC (TV170 and TV180)
- Grade 12: HVAC 3 at MATC (TV190 and TV200)
- Additional Course Option: Welding
Manufacturing/Robotics Pathway
- Grade 10: Intro to Advanced Manufacturing / Manufacturing Systems
- Grade 11: Mechanical Systems / Digital Manufacturing
- Grade 12: NC3 (Tool ID Safety and Measurement)
Students who complete NC3 can earn certifications to show employers their knowledge and skills:- Snap-on Hand Tool Identification, Safety, and Usage Certification: Screwdrivers; Wrenches; Cutters & Pliers; Ratchets, Sockets, & Extensions; Hammers, Punches, & Chisels
- Snap-on Precision Measuring Instruments (PMI) Certification: Tape & Rule, Slide Caliper, Gauge, Angle, Micrometer, Dial Gauge
Internships
Barack Obama SCTE students who participate in an MPS internship are employed for a specific period to learn about a particular industry or occupation.
School-to-Work Transition Program
For three decades, MPS’s School-to-Work Transition Program (STWTP) has placed students with special education needs at worksites across Milwaukee. Students develop employment readiness and independent living skills while earning credit toward their high school diplomas.
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Learning a trade and earning a paycheck are among the benefits of youth apprenticeships for our juniors and seniors. They spend half their day at Barack Obama SCTE and half their day at a job.
College Access
TRIO & Pre-College at UW–Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s TRIO & Pre-College Programs promote academic excellence in high school and support college access for first-generation, low-income, and other underrepresented students. Eligible MPS students who participate will receive access to educational resources, services, and opportunities, including tutoring, academic skill development, college visits, and residential experiences.
Wisconsin GEAR UP
The Wisconsin GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program aims to increase the number of low-income students who prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education. Students in grades six through 12 get access to one-on-one advising, guidance about college and career readiness, college visits, and more. The program also offers personalized mentoring that begins in senior year and continues through their first year of college. Eligible students can apply for the GEAR UP Scholarship to help make college possible.
Core Courses
Students enroll in classes—ranging from foundational to advanced—that fulfill graduation requirements in these core subjects: English/Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages.
Credit Recovery
Students who earn a “U” or “D” in a core course may use the MPS-approved online curriculum to recover credits.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment courses give students the chance to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Students may even attend classes on the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) or University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) campuses.
Early College Credit
Wisconsin high schoolers can take one or more courses at an institution of higher education.
M-Cubed College Connections Program
Start College Now
Electives
Students can fulfill college entrance requirements, gain new insight and knowledge, and develop specialty skills in elective classes, such as Entrepreneurship, Psychology, and Sculpture.
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.
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.