Children Come First

• Children are the center of the decision-making process.
• We have high expectations and standards for all children.
• Supportive services are provided to enable children to reach their full potential.
• Equitable allocation of resources supports learning.

A multitude of supportive services provide the resources necessary to assure student success. These services include tutoring, building capacity for student leaders, school health services, early childhood education, and before- and after-school programs.

The Classroom is the Most Important Place in the District

• Every child has an equitable opportunity to learn with an effective teacher.
• Collaboration among staff promotes high levels of student achievement using best practices.
• Professional development is embedded in the classroom.
• Resources are directed to the classroom and focused on student achievement.

MPS schools have data-driven educational plans aligned to learning targets, instructional strategies, resources, and assessments. Operating as professional learning communities, schools use an effective shared decision-making model and implement consistent school-wide research-based practices to deliver the curriculum.

Leadership and Accountability are Keys to Our Success

• Leadership articulates the vision and moves the organization forward.
• Accountability holds us to high standards and expectations.
• Principals are leaders in improving schools.
• Every teacher is a leader and every leader is a teacher to ensure student success.

School learning teams, mathematics lead teachers, literacy coaches, and principal coaches are engaged in leadership capacity building activities. A standards-based evaluation system for job performance is under development. The full implementation of PI34 for teacher and administrator certification will enhance leadership and accountability.

Central Services Supports Student Achievement

• Promotes and supports student achievement.
• Articulates an academic framework.
• Facilitates communication throughout the district and community using a variety of techniques.
• Holds schools accountable through an evaluation system.

High school redesign, the K-8 school initiative, effective and efficient operations at Central Services, a districtwide accountability system, diversified school options, and the Special Education Oversight Action Plan (SOAP) are examples of Central Services support for student achievement.

Families are Valuable Partners

• Families support and assist us in educating their children.
• We welcome and respect family involvement.
• Opportunities are provided for parents to participate in key decision-making.
• Communication between families and MPS personnel is important.

Milwaukee Public Schools supports parent resource centers, school governance councils, the parent communication and resolution system, and parent organizations.

Community Partnerships Add Value

• Community partnerships extend learning beyond the classroom.
• Shared responsibility fosters student success.
• The Milwaukee community and Milwaukee Public Schools value and support partnerships to increase capacity for teaching and learning.

Increased student achievement for MPS students has been supported through the collaborative efforts of the Milwaukee Partnership Academy, the Neighborhood Schools Initiative, the Department of Recreation and Community Services, and community-based organizations throughout the city. Facilitation of these partnerships will continue to move the district's academic framework forward.