• We embrace and nurture our diverse learning community.
• We value student-centered learning that focuses on the whole child.
• We are dedicated to ensuring high-quality, standards-based instruction.

Our commitment to helping every child succeed includes:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) support from ESL tutors working with students individually or in small groups.
• Identifying gifted and talented students from underrepresented backgrounds, and providing individualized learning opportunities and supports so they can reach their fullest potential through our participation in the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program.
• Special education teachers and staff co-teaching with regular education teachers, or leading their own classrooms.
• Multicultural appreciation and education through Zablocki School’s international enrollment and family and community events.
• Fourth and fifth graders researching and presenting on global affairs through the United Nations Schools of International Learning (UNSIL) program and its annual world fair.

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.

Math

Teachers provide individualized attention as students learn, practice, and apply critical math skills. We use the Counting Collections curriculum, which incorporates special teacher training and hands-on math lessons that are helping more students at Zablocki School and across the district meet grade-level expectations for counting and place-value understanding. Educators use a variety of 3D and visual models and story problems that reinforce basic mathematical concepts. Students benefit from creative in-class opportunities to develop math skills that are memorable and relevant to helping them learn higher level math concepts and skills in preparation for middle and high school.

Reading/Language Arts

Reading is a priority at Zablocki School, where students receive 90 minutes of daily reading, writing, and oral language instruction. Students learn and apply literacy skills in new ways as they progress, moving from story time with teachers and letter recognition in the kindergarten years to solo reading in grade three, then advanced comprehension and critical thinking in grades four and five.

Integrating writing instruction and assignments into other subject areas — such as social studies and science — develops students’ critical thinking, writing, and comprehension skills as they learn and evaluate new information, then present it to others.

Music, Physical Education, Social and Emotional Classes

Music, physical education, and social and emotional classes help our students grow into creative, centered, and well-rounded young people who understand the connection between mind and body wellness.

Special Education

MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, physical, emotional, learning, hearing, vision, and speech disabilities. Zablocki’s special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, school support teacher, 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, or learn more about Specialized Services.