PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:

Minneapolis Public Schools is developing a new middle school program at the Ramsey building dedicated to an innovative, urban learning experience.  The school will open its doors in the fall of 2012.

• Associate Superintendent Theresa Battle is leading program development, in collaboration with a task force of principals, community members and staff.
• Task force staff members include district experts in secondary education, curriculum and new school development
• Funding is supported by a board of education approved start-up budget, in addition to the standard per student funding allocation
• Mission is to provide a full complement of coursework including English learner support, world languages, electives, autism programs and after-school activities.

 
DEVELOPMENT COMPONENTS:

• Family Network established to inform families and give them the opportunity to participate in new school development
• Inclusion of adolescents in planning process
• Academic program based in research and theory focused on adolescent motivation for learning
• Principal and staff passionate about teaching middle grades and highly qualified in disciplinary literacies, focused instruction and strategies of instruction for learning 21st century skills
• Groups of students move together to high school providing consistency in social, emotional and academic development