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Office of Academics

The Office of Academics oversees the district’s academic agenda to provide world-class education for all Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students.

Chief Academic Officer: Jennifer Mims-Howell

The Office of Academics staff works closely with schools and other departments at MPS to ensure consistent focus on the following areas:

  • Accelerated academic achievement for all students
  • Shared accountability for student learning
  • Professional development on culturally responsive teaching and trauma-informed care
  • Respectful and welcoming school environments
     

Academic Expectations

MPS is committed to preparing all students for college and careers. High academic expectations—high standards, in other words—are an essential part of that commitment. The Office of Academics works to ensure that all students in MPS are career and college ready. The office is responsible for all aspects of student academic achievement, including students' social-emotional health and well-being.

Learn About Academics at MPS

 

Departments

College and Career Readiness

Director: John R. Hill, PhD

The Department of College and Career Readiness works to overcome the barriers that students face. Students need "whole child" support to become aware of the pathways to their careers of interest, they must be academically ready to follow those pathways, and they must be prepared with the life skills needed to navigate their chosen pathway. The Department of College and Career Readiness coordinates available resources, including community organizations and postsecondary institutions, to support MPS faculty, families, and students in fostering a college‐going culture. This department includes college and career planning, career and technical education, extended learning opportunities, and school counseling and academic planning.

Learn More About College and Career Readiness 

Multilingual/Multicultural Education

Director: Rocío Trejo, EdD 

MPS offers diverse learning opportunities that are available for all multilingual and multicultural learners. The cultural and linguistic diversity of the students we serve is one of our greatest assets. We strive to create quality learning environments that respect, reflect, and accommodate diversity.

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Research, Assessment, and Data

Director: Natalie M. Collins, PhD

The Department of Research, Assessment, and Data provides schools with unparalleled levels of service to ensure that the district effectively and efficiently implements continuous improvement systems that support, measure, and inform the district's work in the areas of teaching and learning, professional development, and educator effectiveness. This includes managing the district's student data systems, including the Data Warehouse, and working closely with school‐level personnel to provide real‐time information and data.

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Specialized Services

Senior Director: Travis Pinter, PhD

The Department of Specialized Services is committed to supporting the individual needs of all students. The focus of our work is students with disabilities participating and learning in their least-restrictive environment. This includes a provision of behavioral and academic supports while allowing students to participate in the general curriculum with non‐disabled peers based on goals in their individualized education programs (IEP).

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Teaching and Learning

Senior Director: Felicia Saffold, EdD

The Department of Teaching and Learning is responsible for support of student learning throughout all academic areas. This department also provides services to support additional student learning needs. The staff in the Department of Teaching and Learning work collaboratively with regions and schools to enhance learning experiences for all students. This department includes fine arts and physical education, early childhood education, literacy education, and math and science education.

Learn More About Teaching and Learning in MPS