New AP diploma program

Milwaukee School of Languages is among one of the first schools in Wisconsin to earn the right to participate in a new Advanced Placement diploma program.

The AP Capstone program includes two new AP courses – AP Seminar and AP Research – that allow students to explore topics they are interested in while developing college-level analytic, research, problem-solving and communications skills.

Students who earn a score of “3” or higher on those two AP exams — as well as four other AP exams — earn the AP Capstone Diploma™.

MSL has grown the number of students taking AP classes and expanding access to these rigorous courses is part of MPS’ “Rethinking High Schools” strategic objective.

The AP Capstone program will debut at Milwaukee School of Languages this fall.

AP Capstone is an innovative program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills valued by colleges. The program is based on two new AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research

The AP Capstone program empowers students to:

• synthesize information from multiple perspectives
• apply skills in new situations and cross-curricular contexts
• collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision
• craft, communicate, and defend evidence-based arguments
• practice disciplined and scholarly research skills while exploring relevant topics that appeal to their interests and curiosity

College Possible

College Possible is proud to work with more than 600 students in the Milwaukee metro area of Wisconsin at ten partner high schools, including Milwaukee School of Languages.
College Possible students have an average GPA of 2.8, and 95 percent are students of color. In the 2013-14 program year, College Possible Milwaukee will serve nearly 600 high school juniors and seniors, more than 800 college students and more than 1,500 9th and 10th graders through college prep talks. Through the generous support of local organizations, foundations and individuals, the program continues to grow and expand in Milwaukee area schools.

Milwaukee School of Languages College and Career Center

The Milwaukee Public Schools College and Career Centers assist all Milwaukee-area students in grades 6 through 12 (and beyond) with FREE support. Twenty school-based centers are open during regular school hours and after school (select locations) for postsecondary planning and access help.

Stop in at the College and Career Center nearest you for college and career assistance!

• College tours and visits
• FAFSA completion
• Scholarship applications
• College applications and essays
• Resume writing
• Youth apprenticeships, internships, and job applications
• Career Cruising
• ACT registration
• Job searching

To contact us, please email us at CollegeAndCareerCenter@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or, to contact MSL’s student advisor see below:

Student Advisor: Ms. R. Lopez

414-244-9975

Hours: 

School-to-Work Program

The Milwaukee School of Languages School-to-Work Transition Program is comprised of three separate, but highly related programs devoted to the development of federally mandated employment readiness for our students with special needs: Community Assessment Training Program (CATP), On the Job Training/Education (OJT/E), and Employment Training Program (ETP). They are described below.

CATP currently comprises more than 20 worksites during the school year and 2-3 worksites during the summer as part of the extended school year (ESY) program. Each site has one special education teacher assigned and one or more educational assistants. The students learn the “hard skills” or the “how to” of the specific jobs, and they receive instruction in the “soft skills” of employment such as professionalism, handling conflicts, and effective communication.

CATP has a long and successful history with our existing sites. Some of our community partners have been involved with the STWTP since its inception 25 years ago, and they continue to provide our students with a wide variety of work assessment opportunities.

The CATP program supports approximately 200 students with special needs per semester in worksite opportunities. All areas of disability are represented. The students receive high school elective credit for their participation. The students report to sites five times per week for the semester and follow the traditional school-year calendar. The majority of CATP students are bused between home/school and worksites, though the STWTP trains students identified as viable candidates for mobility training in the use of public transportation.

The On the Job Training/Education Program typically employs students each semester during the school year. All students enrolled in OJT/E are recommended by transition coordinators, CATP teachers, or IEP (individualized education program) teachers. The students receive high school elective credit for their participation. Students are paid minimum wage. Students must be able to use public transportation or provide their own transportation.

The Employment Training Program (ETP) provides support to students ages 18-21 who are recommended for their participation because of successful CATP assessments and more highly developed job-readiness skills. The students receive high school elective credit for their participation. ETP specialists work with individuals, businesses, agencies, corporations, and associations to develop employment opportunities for students.

The School to Work Transition Program provides supported work experiences and employment opportunities for hundreds of MPS students with disabilities each year. Students are offered a wide variety of work opportunities at the various sites, are continually assessed and instructed for improvement, and leave the program not only with employment skills but with a resume that reflects the wealth of their MPS-supported experiences.

The program continues to serve as a model for other districts and accommodates numerous onsite visit requests each year. STWTP staff and students have been recognized by Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. It is a unique, successful, and valuable program for our students with disabilities, and one that has always put the needs of the students first.

Transition To The Next Step Of Your Life

It is never too early to start planning for high school or after high school. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to move on to whatever comes next! So there is no time like now to start planning. What will that be for you? Will you attend college or participate in an apprenticeship program? Are you ready to look for a job? Do you need mobility training? Do you have a driver’s license or a state ID? Have you updated your resume? Do you need to look into guardianship? No matter what you have planned, the MSL Special Education staff is excited to help you get ready for your future! Check out the resources listed in this site, and contact your school Transition Coordinator or IEP teacher for more assistance.

MPS/MSL Transition Website