Division of Teaching and Learning

Detroit Public Schools is committed to providing a rigorous, relevant and high-quality course of study for every student.  The instructional program is designed to ensure that students graduate with the 21^st century social and academic skills necessary for success in college, work and life.

The district’s five-year academic plan, Excellent Schools for Every Child, implements high standards, a rigorous curriculum and instructional programs that are responsive to student needs. DPS also provides students with a marketplace of schools and programs that offer the best fit for their interests, including single-gender, arts and medical career paths and career technical education.

The educational advantages available to students and parents/guardians, effective now, across DPS include:

• Netbooks for use by every student in grades 6-12 and a robust technology curriculum
• Extended time in reading and math instruction for all elementary students
• Free Summer Academy for elementary and middle school students
• Business partners for every school to help raise student achievement
• Extended day opportunities
• Two new Online Parent Portals to keep parents connected to their children’s classwork and grades
• A Reading Corps tutor for all pre-K students needing one
• Parent Engagement initiatives, including workshops and eight neighborhood Parent Resource Centers
• Robust Fine Arts programs with instrumental music, vocal music and dance
• DPS-only college-readiness scholarship guarantees
• Wide-ranging scholar-athlete programs through the Detroit Public School League

 

 

About our Academic Plan

• Academic Plan
• Academic Plan Highlights

 

 

Resources

• Graduation Requirements
• What Your Child Should Be Learning: (Grade Level Content Expectations)
• Pacing Guides
• 2011-2012 High School Course Catalog and Program of Study
• Detroit Mathematics and Science Center
• Understanding NAEP Reading Results
• Parent & Student Learning Village

 

 

News & Updates about Academics

• Congratulations to the following award winners in the 2012 Southeastern Michigan Region of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for 2012!
• Timeline and process for school transitions announced; Enrollment period set for March
• DPS offers special parent workshops in seven Parent Resource Centers over holiday break to teach parents budgeting strategies for the New Year
• DPS announces schools that will remain open over the holiday break, providing extended academic opportunities, free meals and food baskets to students in need, as well as workshops for parents
• Students from Sampson Academy and Farmington debate at Eastern Michigan University for the first time through a program to build self-esteem
• DPS is launching a program to keep some schools open over the holiday break, providing parent workshops, as well as meals and academic learning to students in need
• Detroit Public Schools generates annual operating surplus, reduces legacy deficit by $43 million, focuses resources on high standards in a rigorous curriculum

More academic news »