Milwaukee Math and Science Academy to continue under five-year recommendation; school details data-driven instruction plan

The Charter School Review Committee voted Nov. 3 to recommend a five-year renewal for Milwaukee Math and Science Academy (MMSA) and to continue annual academic monitoring, while urging persistent attention to reading, math and writing outcomes.

Evidence Change staff presented MMSA2024-25 figures: the school began the year with 247 students, added 11 and had 44 withdrawals, ending with 214 students. Instructional staff return and retention were strong overall but the school did not meet the target for maintaining year-to-year proficiency for fourth-eighth graders (46.2% maintained where the target was 60%). Evidence Change reported one teacher without a license at report time and two staff assigned instructional roles outside proper licensure.

MMSA leaders described a set of interventions for academic improvement. They reported summer work with CESA/CISA to review data, a schedule of twice-monthly short practice items using AI-generated test items, and adoption of IXL skill plans tied to NWEA results to create individualized learning trajectories. A school representative said these steps contributed to a 6.4% overall increase in math last year and that the school plans continued walkthroughs and focused professional development.

Evidence Change recommended strengthening family-staff-student collaboration, diversifying recruitment to better reflect student demographics and expanding SEL and digital citizenship initiatives in partnership with Marquette University.

Committee members moved and approved Evidence Changerecommendation; the motion passed by voice vote. The committee requested ongoing reporting on the impact of MMSA's data-driven interventions.