Academics
The Cass Street School curriculum is based on the MPS District Learning Targets, which are aligned to Wisconsin State Standards. The staff at Cass St. School guides students on their paths to becoming independent, self-confident learners with strong, real-world skills and good decision-making abilities, ready to succeed in college or in a career after high school graduation. Please click on the image below to download the Learning Targets brochures.
Language Arts/Writing
Reading
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Language Arts/Writing
The Language Arts/Writing curriculum at Cass St. School allows children to express themselves using spoken and written language, improve listening and verbal communication, identify media messages and learn research skills. As students progress, they create a variety of writing selections, organizing their ideas while practicing correct grammar and spelling. Critical feedback from teachers reminds students to use details, effective word choice and correct sentence structure. Eventually, students’ fact-finding skills are advanced enough to complete a lengthy research paper that lists resources and summarizes facts. Class presentations give students the opportunity to defend their ideas and gain confidence speaking in front of others. By the time they graduate, students are able to effectively judge speaking and writing and to make informed judgments about the media and advertisements.
back
to top
Reading
Cass St. School’s Reading Program turns young learners into critical readers. Daily 90-minute blocks of Direct Instruction help students explore relationships between different letters and sounds. Reading becomes more fluid as they learn skills to identify words and gain meanings from stories. As children apply what they learn in the classroom to different texts and various subjects, their skill level increases. Cass St. School teachers focus on guiding children to use reading materials and other resources as sources of information. By using new reading strategies to unlock the meaning of text, students analyze and interpret information, constantly making connections between what is read and what is real life. In their later years, students are able to evaluate a variety of texts, learning to be critical readers by analyzing sources of information for accuracy and value.
back
to top
Mathematics
Students at Cass St. School receive Mathematics instruction daily in 60-minute blocks. Basic math instruction teaches students to identify shapes, recognize patterns, practice addition and subtraction and interpret data. Once these concepts are mastered, children learn multiplication and division. After expanding their understanding of the basic math processes, students work with fractions and decimals while studying geometry, algebra and data interpretation. Eventually, students use mathematical processes and data to solve complex problems and predict results. By the time they enter high school, students graduate from Cass St. School with a strong mathematics background. They are able to reason and draw conclusions and have explored many areas of mathematics. Students justify their strategies using appropriate mathematical terms as they prepare for higher level mathematics.
back
to top
Science
Cass St. School students conduct scientific investigations using a variety of useful tools and ask and answer questions using scientific methods and vocabulary. In their younger years, students observe the world around them, learning where they fit into the natural world. As they grow, scientific exploration leads to a deeper understanding of research-based principles. By continuing to observe and interpreting what they see, students group and classify living and non-living things. Older students learn basic facts that provide a strong foundation for in-depth study of particular areas of science. Students focus on different themes, continuing to gather information that will help them in high school. Through experimentation and reading, students learn to evaluate scientific ideas and apply facts to better understand scientific processes.
back
to top
Social Studies
Social Studies at Cass St. School includes five areas of study: Geography, History, Civics, Economics and Behavioral Sciences. Young learners explore how families and social studies are related while studying diversity in neighborhoods. Students eventually begin to learn about the larger world and connect it to their lives in the greater Milwaukee area. Teachers encourage class discussions and always keep their students up to date on current events. By focusing on both historical facts and current events within the United States, students develop their own opinions and become responsible, active citizens. Before they graduate, students also study ancient and medieval civilizations as well as the modern world.
back
to top
Physical Education
Physical Education (P.E.) classes help all Cass St. School students to develop an awareness of the importance of physical activity. As children grow and increase their physical abilities, P.E. teaches them not only how to participate in physical activities within groups, but to develop lifelong interest in staying physically fit. During P.E. classes, students meet new physical challenges, learn good sportsmanship and improve their individual and team skills.
back
to top
Art
At Cass St. School, art education is as essential to the basic education of all children as the core academic subjects. As an area of study, art education helps students understand how things are presented visually, what makes beautiful art and how to think creatively. Young students learn new words to describe art and work with different artistic media and materials. As they grow, students explore different types of art, develop new skills using art materials and learn about visual design and famous artists. Once they are comfortable, students experiment with perspectives from which art is created and viewed. In Grades 6-8, students complete a variety of art projects using different materials and deepen their understanding of the role art plays in society.
back
to top
Health
Health education at Cass St. School includes both a personal and community approach to health care. Students learn basic safety lessons and health topics while building awareness of their own actions and health habits with others in the community. By analyzing messages the community gives and receives about health, students become much more aware of their surroundings. Eventually, students focus on the importance of healthy relationships and self-respect. A community service project requires students to reach out to the city of Milwaukee and give back.
back
to top
Music
Music education at Cass St. School provides children with musical understanding at a beginning to intermediate level. Children are encouraged to increase their understanding of music and arts and to appreciate musical performances. By working with different songs, students learn basic music notation. They explore different instruments as they acquire knowledge about rhythm, melody and harmony. By the middle grades, many students can read basic music, play instruments and identify different musical styles and elements.
back
to top
Technology
Cass St. School students receive high-end technology instruction. With three computer labs, schoolwide Internet access, a Library-Media Specialist and computers in every classroom, students have the opportunity to become familiar with different computer software and programs. Through media projects and educational software programs, technology enhances academic instruction at Cass St. School. Students are prepared for success in a globally-connected world.
