- Pittsburgh Public Schools
- Gifted and Talented
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Centers for Advanced Study (CAS)
CAS courses are high-level, enriched and accelerated honors courses that follow the Purdue Three-Stage model and create opportunities for student-led inquiry, deep investigation of interest-based topics, and collaborative long-term projects. CAS courses are awarded an additional .5 weight to account for the added rigor that is infused into the curriculum. Gifted students are supported by a school-based CAS facilitator who manages a student's Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP). Please see below for CAS Facilitator contact information.The CAS program provides for enriched and specially designed instruction in the following ways:- An inquiry/problem solving approach to learning
- Advanced media and computer technology support
- Independent studies
- Long-Term Projects supported by teacher, community and/or university mentors
- Program facilitator(s) at each site
The Gifted and Talented Model
The Centers for Advanced Studies (CAS) program include enriched and accelerated courses for gifted and academically talented students. The CAS enriched core curricula include two- four-year sequences in English, Mathematics, Science, and World Languages. Access to accelerated courses begin freshmen year with AP offered all four years for the Social Studies courses.
The CAS application process will open Friday, December 8, 2023, and close Friday, February 3, 2024. Please encourage your student to:
- maintain a “B” or higher in all core subject areas (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language)
- maintain an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
- maintain 90% or higher attendance engage and participate in class
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PPS CAS Course Enrollment Process
PPS students will no longer submit a CAS application. PPS 8th and 9th grade students with a GPA of at least 2.75 and 85% attendance will receive a CAS letter. Only PPS students with a GPA of 2.75 – 2.99 must submit a teacher recommendation. Standardized test scores will not be included in the process.
PPS 8th grade eligible CAS students (3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, and core courses with at least a "B") will be automatically enrolled in the CAS courses. These courses will be listed in the CAS eligibility letter. To enroll in a CAS math course the student must currently be enrolled in at least Algebra I. Parents/Guardians can opt their student out of a specific CAS course or all CAS courses by contacting their student’s counselor/social worker by March 21, 2023.
PPS students in high school who meet the CAS criteria will schedule CAS courses of interest during their course scheduling period. The student will select the CAS course(s) of interest in the subject area(s) the student meets the academic requirement of having at least a "B" in the course.
Non-PPS Student CAS Course Enrollment Process
Non-PPS students must complete the CAS application and submit teacher recommendations for the subject area(s) the student has an interest in taking a CAS course. Standardized test scores will not be included in the process. The deadline to submit the CAS application and teacher recommendations is Friday, February 4, 2022. The link for the CAS application and teacher recommendations will become available Friday, December 8, 2023. Non-PPS families will receive their CAS letter of eligibility the week of March 18, 2023.
Teacher/ Principal Recommendation Link: https://forms.office.com/r/nmqEeQmSr9
CAS Application Link: https://pghboe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CLj10vbTDaEu8K
CAS Facilitator List
Facilitator | School |
---|---|
Mariah Monroe | Allderdice High School |
Jen Mazocco | Allderdice High School |
Helen Monroe | Allderdice High School |
Jen Felton | Allderdice High School |
Janelle Price | Allderdice High School |
Sara Herrmann | Allderdice High School |
Michael Carey | Allderdice High School |
Melissa Donnelly | Allderdice High School |
Sarah Mueller | Allderdice High School |
Steve Meddings | Allderdice High School |
Cortney Fischer | Allderdice High School |
Troy Taylor | Allderdice High School |
Reagan Cupps | Brashear High School |
Christopher Kipp | Brashear High School |
Beth Hellerman | Carrick High School |
Brendan Coyne | CAPA 6-12 |
Brent Watson | CAPA 6-12 |
Valerie Watson | CAPA 6-12 |
Rachel Vandergraft | CAPA 6-12 |
Mallory Brown | CAPA 6-12 |
Gary McGrail | CAPA 6-12 |
Charla Southers | CAPA 6-12 |
Camden Kelly (out on LOA) | CAPA 6-12 |
Rachel Whealdon | Obama Academy |
Renee Patrick-Matunga | Obama Academy |