Milwaukee Public Schools
HOMEPAGE

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is in the midst of major high standards and reform initiatives. New high school graduation requirements, middle school proficiencies, and soon to be developed elementary school proficiencies, have generated a sense of urgency and momentum surrounding student achievement and school accountability. MPS is using a standards based, rigorous curriculum, with an assessment package that includes state standardized tests, district performance based assessments, portfolios, and classroom based projects. These and other changes in urban education, require new and innovative teaching strategies and the use of technology for instruction, assessment, and management of student information.

There has been a tremendous mobilization of energy and resources to prepare staff and students to meet rigorous high standards. The focus is on student-centered learning environments that use technology to Support student's individual needs and capabilities. Changes in the curriculum that stress higher order and critical thinking emphasize the use of technology as a tool for teaching and learning rather than an entity in and of itself.

Technology support strategies include infrastructure requirements, decentralized management, school accountability, professional development, collaborations, and fiscal support. The district Technology Strategic Plan delineates the process to provide every school in our district access and connectivity. Decentralized decision making and budgeting allow all schools a voice in how rapidly they acquire hardware, software, and professional development. Clearly delineated academic outcomes and targets with appropriate assessments provide the incentive for a high level of accountability. Partnerships within the community including businesses, community based organizations, foundations, institutions of higher learning, and grant funding, have supported the continual use of technology across the curriculum, across settings, and as a vehicle to extend and enrich the learning experience.

The MPS Technology Plan makes it possible to facilitate learning environments, anytime anywhere, with anybody. Various projects have utilized this philosophy, including Technology Literacy Challenge Fund (TLCF) professional development, the Connected Community of Learners (CCL) project, and Goals 2000 Grant. Teachers employing technological tools for distance learning and on line instruction, have brought about the kind of teacher leadership that has resulted in high level student projects, teacher collaboration, integrated clinical approaches, and sophisticated approaches to assessment.

The Replicable Schools Program is an important model for the integration of technology at the classroom level. Like the TLCF initiative, teachers receive ongoing training and support and are given the opportunity to network, model, and train other teachers. Both programs are examples of the systemic commitment to meaningful professional development and the direct connection to the classroom. The focus on academic achievement, efforts to increase access, researched based decisions, and extensive professional development, are the key elements of Milwaukee's technology implementation.