POINTS OF PRIDE

National Council on Teacher Quality Names Pittsburgh Public Schools Great District for Great Teachers The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) named Pittsburgh Public Schools a winner in its first-ever Great Districts for Great Teachers initiative. NCTQ chose PPS after a rigorous 18-month evaluation of data, policies and teacher input, which included surveys and focus groups with over 300 PPS teachers, proving the District is a national leader in developing and caring for great teachers, so that they, in turn, can deliver great instruction to their students.

The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarships! In 2007, the District announced a $100 million commitment by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to fund The Pittsburgh Promise. The Promise is a community gift to help families plan, prepare, and pay for education after high school. Graduates of the Pittsburgh Public Schools may be eligible to earn up to $20,000 over four years for post-secondary education.

Our CTE programs have expanded. Through a partnership with the District’s Early Childhood Program, students in the new CTE Early Childhood Education Program will receive hands-on practical experience in the childcare center located on the Pittsburgh Milliones campus. The CTE Early Childhood Education program includes instruction in growth and development, nutrition, program planning and management, safety, play activities, child abuse and neglect, parent-child personal relationships, and laws, regulations and policies related to childcare services. Students will be prepared to earn two credentials: Child Development Associate Preschool and Child Development Associate Infant-Toddler. In total, 17 CTE programs across the District give students a head start on careers.

Free SAT Exams for Juniors. Approximately 1,600 11th graders take the SAT exam for free, right in their classroom.

All students receive healthy meals free of charge. All Pittsburgh Public Schools students, regardless of family income, receive free breakfast and lunch, ensuring all students are properly nourished and ready for class.

Teachers receive National Board Certification. More than 100 PPS teachers have received National Board Certification. National Board certification is the highest earned credential in the teaching profession.

More Job-embedded Professional Development Available to Teachers. Eight student half-days, teacher-led Professional Learning Communities, and the addition of Academic Coaches in Literacy and Mathematics increase opportunities for job-embedded, content-specific training and collaboration for our teachers.

TEALS Brings Real World into the Classroom. The expansion of TEALS (Technology, Education & Literacy in Schools) increases access to AP Computer Science at eight schools, leaning on the expertise of volunteers from high-tech companies, students gain real insight into the fast-paced world of technology.

New Curriculum Aligns to PA Core Standards. The adoption of new PreK-5 English Language Arts curriculum, supplemental Science resources, and supporting technology progress our work to align curriculum to the PA Core.

Implementation of PBIS at All Schools. The school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program includes everyone, students and staff. PBIS emphasizes teaching expectations and positive reinforcement because we know that students will succeed when offered informative corrective feedback and pro-social skills. The implementation of PBIS helps to decrease disruptions, increase instructional time, and improve student social behavior and academic outcomes.

Eight Schools Designated Community Schools. Eight schools - Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8, Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8, Pittsburgh Faison K-5, Pittsburgh King PreK-8, Pittsburgh Langley K-8, Pittsburgh Lincoln PreK-5, Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12, and Pittsburgh Westinghouse 6-12 – are Designated Community Schools.

PPS Goes “All In” with College Board. To build the confidence of our students and increase their success on the SATs, we have partnered with the College Board for their "All in" campaign challenge, using Khan Academy to personalize learning for students. This resource will be especially valuable for District 11th Graders who will take the SATs, with funding of all exams by the school district, and administration of the exams during school hours to increase student access.

Earning College Credit in High Schools. Students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades get a head start on their life’s work through our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. A partnership with Community College of Allegheny County allows them to earn college credits in the fields of Health Careers Technology, Culinary Arts, or RHVAC – at no additional cost. Or they can select from 12 trade and technical programs that give them hands-on training in jobs that are known to be in high demand. Expect these students to be well prepared for college, career, and life.

Learning more at a faster rate. Making learning fun is serious business in our Early Childhood program. By using iPads and developmentally appropriate apps, students enjoy working with numbers, shapes, letters, and letter sounds. Technology not only engages our youngest students, but it also helps families stay involved in the education process. Expect children who attend PPS Pre-K to be well prepared for Kindergarten and a lifetime of learning.

District Adopts College and Career Readiness Platform Naviance PPS is making college and career planning accessible for all its middle and high school students by implementing Hobsons’ Naviance, the leading solution that helps students prepare for life after high school whether they pursue college, a career, or the military. Naviance will help PPS increase graduation and financial aid application rates, as well as accurately track college applications, acceptances, and scholarships. The District also will be better equipped to guide students through the process of identifying their strengths and interests and exploring careers and colleges to create personalized plans for life beyond high school.

Solving Problems through Creative Thinking. In STEAM labs all across the District, students collaborate and solve real-world problems by thinking about things in new and different ways. Thanks to this hands-on approach that incorporates science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math, you expect students to be excited about facing new challenges.