MILWAUKEE— Milwaukee Public Schools is reporting early academic gains after rolling out a new approach to literacy instruction.
New Wisconsin standardized test results released Thursday show students in MPS elementary and middle schools improved in English Language Arts, along with gains in math, science and social studies.
For students in grades three through eight, ELA proficiency increased from 23.6% to 25.1% on the 2026 Wisconsin Forward Exam.
Science showed the biggest improvement among those grades, while math and social studies also increased.
MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius says the results are encouraging because the district’s focus on reading appears to be carrying over into other subjects.
“What this data shows us today, is that reading is fundamental. Reading is foundational to the learning for children.” Dr. Cassellius said.
The district says 23 MPS schools improved their ELA proficiency by at least five percentage points. Four schools saw gains of more than 10 percentage points:
- Bruce School
- Cass Street School
- Craig Montessori School
- Trowbridge School of Great Lakes Studies
Six MPS schools also moved off the state’s list of schools identified as being in need of improvement.
The gains comes after MPS introduced new literacy materials and training based on the science of reading. The district began rolling out new literacy textbooks and learning materials for kindergarten through fifth grade during the 2025-26 school year.
Dr. Cassellius says teachers have also received professional development, coaching and classroom support as they implement the new curriculum.
High school results remain mixed
MPS high school results were more uneven.
Math and science proficiency increased, but ELA proficiency declined from 21.4% to 20.2%.
Dr. Cassellius says high school students were still using an older literacy curriculum, but MPS introduced a new high school ELA curriculum this fall.
The district is also focusing on attendance and additional academic support for students who are behind grade level.
Dr. Cassellius says the district is encouraged by the early results but recognizes there is still significant work ahead.
“I’m not spiking the football today, but I am giving credit where credit is due because progress, it matters,” Dr. Cassellius said.
Statewide Results
Across Wisconsin, 48.4% of students in grades three through 11 were proficient or above in ELA, while 48.7% were proficient or above in math, according to the Wisconsin Student Assessment System.
State Superintendent Jill Underly said Wisconsin students are making steady progress but acknowledged that many students still need additional support.
For MPS, Dr. Cassellius says the district will continue building on its literacy strategy and will look for more detailed information about individual student growth when the state’s report cards are released.
