Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and intercultural communication skills are key to the IB experience. Rufus King International Middle School is an IB-authorized provider of the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Per the International Baccalaureate, Rufus King International Middle School teachers are required to be trained in the IB curriculum. They carefully integrate state academic standards within the IB framework to prepare students for success in college, career, and citizenship, which is at the heart of the Milwaukee Public Schools mission.
Milwaukee Public Schools implement the Ambitious Instruction Plan and Common Core State Standards.
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.
IB MYP Curricular Framework
Our IB MYP curriculum spans eight subject groups. Students receive at least 50 hours of teaching time in every subject group, every year. Eighth graders also complete the MYP Community Project, a longer-term opportunity to collaborate and pursue service learning through inquiry, action, and reflection.
Arts
According to IB: Students develop through creating, performing and presenting arts in ways that engage and convey feelings, experiences and ideas.
Design
Individuals and Societies
According to IB: Individuals and societies incorporates disciplines traditionally studied in the humanities, as well as disciplines in the social sciences.
Language Acquisition
Language and Literature
According to IB: Language is central to the development of critical thinking. Critical thinking cultivates intercultural understanding and responsible membership in local, national and global communities.
Mathematics
According to IB: MYP mathematics promotes both inquiry and application, helping students to develop problem-solving techniques that transcend discipline and that are useful in the world beyond school. The MYP mathematics framework encompasses number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability.
Physical and Health Education
According to IB: Physical and health education empowers students to understand and appreciate the value of being physically active and to develop the motivation for making healthy life choices.
Sciences
According to IB: The MYP sciences framework encourages students to investigate issues through research, observation, and experimentation, working independently and collaboratively.
Special Education
Rufus King teachers can adapt the flexible and inclusive MYP framework to meet a student’s unique needs and maximize their talents and abilities. Our special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to support a student’s full participation in all IB classes and projects. Per IB, all students have access to the content, curriculum, and delivery of the IB program.
If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child’s teacher or principal for an evaluation. For frequent questions about special education or specialized services, please call (414) 874-8493, or learn more about Specialized Services.