- 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 includes 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 Monday, December 5, 2022 and close Friday, February 3, 2023. 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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CAS Virtual Parent Night
Please join our CAS Virtual Parent Night to learn more about CAS courses. The Gifted and Talented Office will discuss the CAS process for PPS students and non-PPS students. Also, you will hear from current CAS students. The CAS Virtual Parent Night will be held on Tuesday, January 18th at 6:00 pm. You can register for the virtual event here. Please review the recorded if you were not able to attend.
PPS CAS Course Enrollment Process
PPS students no longer will 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 11, 2022.
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 to take 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 Monday, December 6, 2021. Non-PPS familes will receive their CAS letter of eligibility the week of March 14, 2022.
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CAS Facilitator Contact Information
Facilitator
School
Facilitator
School
Steven Meddings
Allderdice High School
Mallory Brown
CAPA 6-12
Cortney Fischer
Allderdice High School
Valerie Watson
CAPA 6-12
Karima Zayyoung
Allderdice High School
Camden Kelly
CAPA 6-12
Melissa Donnelly
Allderdice High School
Joanne Valco
CAPA 6-12
Sarah Mueller
Allderdice High School
Rachel Vandergraft
CAPA 6-12
Mariah Diehl
Allderdice High School
Brent Watson
CAPA 6-12
Jennifer Felton
Allderdice High School
Valerie Watson
CAPA 6-12
Helen Monroe
Allderdice High School
Charla Southers
CAPA 6-12
Mark Matson
Allderdice High School
Gary McGrail
CAPA 6-12
Angela Lindenfelser
Allderdice High School
Brendan Coyne
CAPA 6-12
Jennifer Mozzoco
Allderdice High School
Carrie Brueckner
Obama Academy
Janelle Price
Allderdice High School
Rachel Whealdon
Obama Academy
Amanda McClelland
Allderdice High School
Michael Chapman
Obama Academy
Heather Meyers
Allderdice High School
Renee Mutunga
Obama Academy
Sara Herrmann
Allderdice High School
Gregory Silvestri
Obama Academy
Michael Carey
Allderdice High School
Julie Kupec
SciTech
Troy Taylor
Allderdice High School
Britni Hoffman
SciTech
Angela Lindenfelser
Allderdice High School
Henry Lancet
SciTech
Christopher Kipp
Brashear High School
Heidi Simpson
SciTech
Nicole Rendine
Brashear High School
Oscar Huber
SciTech
Regan Cupps
Brashear High School
Chris Sparacino
SciTech
Amber Marchewka
Carrick High School
Wendi Moore
SciTech
Susan Longley
University-Prep 6-12
Brian Rose
SciTech
Marc Stern
Westinghouse 6-12
Shelbie Nocera
SciTech
Jennifer Grus
Perry High School
John Antonucci
SciTech
Rozann Dinuzzo
Pittsburgh Online Academy
Patricia Barbas
SciTech
Stephanie Thueret
SciTech
Due to specialized programming, Sci-Tech does not offer CAS courses.
However, please contact Oscar Huber (9-12) or Shelbie Nocera (6-8) for information pertaining to Gifted programming.