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Ambitious Instruction Plan

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is committed to providing all students with equitable access to high-quality, grade-appropriate instruction aligned to the Wisconsin State Standards. Rigorous expectations of our students require ambitious instruction in our classrooms.

The following equity-oriented practices provide the framework for Ambitious Instruction: Accelerating Learning:

  • Using high quality, standards aligned, district adopted instructional materials
  • Focusing on culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices that promote learning
  • Leveraging technology to empower students to create, collaborate, communicate, and think critically

Closing the opportunity gap in reading, writing, and mathematics remains priority work for the district, however; the plan explicitly acknowledges the key role all content areas play in ensuring students acquire essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions for school, college and career success.

The Ambitious Instruction: Accelerating Learning plan brings the district back to the basics of quality learning and teaching. It unites all content areas around (1) formative practices, (2) explicit instruction, and (3) meaningful student engagement. Each grade level and content area will embrace specific instructional practices around these areas.

Ambitious Instruction continues to focus on formative practices, explicit instruction, and student engagement. During the 2021–22 school year, we took a close look at each lever and cross-curricular application. This work is evident in the e-book Ambitious Instruction: Accelerating Learning. During the 2022–23 school year, we went deeper into the use of district materials, grade-level instruction, and scaffolding. This work is evident in the second volume of the e-book, Ambitious Instruction Accelerating Learning: A Deeper Dive. We will continue this work by aligning our work to the strategic plan goal of 50% of all students meeting proficiency or higher by 2028. With a focus on collaborative practices, we will articulate the teaching, leadership, and organizational practices that will lead to high levels of academic achievement.

Download an Overview of the Ambitious Instruction Plan

(Updated February 13, 2026)

More Information

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Teaching and Learning at (414) 475-8179.