Security guards

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post

Are Security Officers in great need for support from district?"

"As graduation rates rise, fears of falling standards"

From the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/27/us/as-graduation-rates-rise-experts-fear-standards-have-fallen.html?_r=0

Repeatedly over the last year, Pittsburgh public school officials have cited rising graduation rates as evidence of improved student achievement- but this NYT article echos concerns raised here in Pittsburgh that higher graduation rates may not mean that students are actually learning more.  The article notes for example a school district where more tha 85% of students graduated, but "not one student scored high enough on the ACT to be deemed ready for college in reading or math."

Largest surplus in the state for PPS

Anonymous wrote:

" New Post Please:

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/12/16/Pittsburgh-Schools-have-large-surplus-audit-finds/stories/201512160153

Enough of the austerity budgets! We should have spent this money on students; smaller class sizes, paraprofessionals, social workers, nurses, librarians, etc. "

Consultant for superintendent search

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 
Perkins Consulting Group has no experience in a superintendent search:http://www.post-gazette.com/local/2015/12/07/Consulting-firm-picked-by-city-to-hunt-for-schools-chief-lacks-history/stories/201512070022


The most important appointment in any school district is the selection of it's Superintendent.

The process is critical and should be broad based as well as evidenced based.

Truly, what we have here is the blind leading the blind and we wonder why our leadership lacks 'vision'. "

"The population is never coming back"

In the words of the consultant PPS paid a half million dollars just seven years ago to plan for facilities.  The report predicted nothing but continuing decline, supporting numerous school closings and freeing up money for... well, consultants.

Meanwhile, from today's PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/12/03/Census-shows-millennial-population-growing-in-Pittsburgh/stories/201512030053

While the overall increase is not huge, it is driven by an increase in the portion of the population that is key for school age children.  And had the district done a better job with schools, this increase may well have been even greater.

The state of career and technical education at PPS

Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/11/27/Technical-education-gives-students-skills-for-employment/stories/201511270008

Johnson Martin is correct. PPS erred when it eliminated numerous career technical education programs. All students do not want to go to college, especially with the cost of tuition today. Pittsburgh Promise money or not, college is expensive. Plus, you get a degree and can't find a job. We need more "hands on" courses - maybe then we can keep more students interested and vested in attending school. Why not use one of our many buildings and house all the "technical" programs under one roof instead of one here and one there. "

Salary increase for Superintendent

Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/11/24/City-superintendent-Linda-Lane-receives-salary-increase/stories/201511240198

Linda Lane gets a $10,000 raise for her last 6 months! This bumps up her pension also. It must be nice.... Does the state of the District really warrant this?"

Public Hearing Show Air Dates- October 2015 Public Hearing

Comcast Ch 21, Verizon Ch 47:

"The Public Hearing Show  October PPS public hearings"

Monday 11/23/2015, 11:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Tuesday 11/24/2015, 6:00 AM, Channel PCTV

Wednesday 11/25/2015, 4:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Friday 11/27/2015, 6:00 AM, Channel PCTV

Tuesday 12/1/2015, 7:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Wednesday 12/2/2015, 4:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Thursday 12/3/2015, 10:00 AM, Channel PCTV

Friday 12/4/2015, 3:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Saturday 12/5/2015, 9:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Monday 12/7/2015, 7:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Public Hearing Show Air Dates- September 2015 Public Hearing

PCTV (Channel 21 or 47)- Broadcast of the PPS Public Hearing for September 2015:

"The Public Hearing Show  PPS public hearings Sept"

Tuesday 11/10/2015, 6:30 AM, Channel PCTV

Tuesday 11/10/2015, 6:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Wednesday 11/11/2015, 3:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Thursday 11/12/2015, 6:30 AM, Channel PCTV

Monday 11/16/2015, 6:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Tuesday 11/17/2015, 12:00 AM, Channel PCTV

Wednesday 11/18/2015, 6:30 PM, Channel PCTV

Saturday 11/21/2015, 9:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Tuesday 11/24/2015, 1:00 AM, Channel PCTV

North Side/ Bus Issues

From the PG:


http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/11/09/North-Side-students-decry-early-morning-bus-issues/stories/201511090021

Incredible.  The lack of consideration for students and families, the lack of competence, the decision making in the first place... all the way back to failure to locate city wide programs at central locations whenever possible (Schenley again).

Teachers Matter Week

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post

From PPS website:

"PPS is celebrating Teachers Matter Week from November 9-14, 2015! This is a week we can all celebrate the valuable contributions PPS teachers make to students and the broader Pittsburgh community. If you’d like to get involved by recognizing a PPS teacher, you can write a personal note by November 2 and it will be delivered during Teachers Matter Week."


November 2nd is gone, but maybe there can be a thread on the Pure blog for the week."

Cost of Superintendent Search

Anonymous wrote:

"
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/11/04/Pittsburgh-schools-board-starts-national-search-for-superintendent/stories/201511040048

Why are we paying $100,000 for a "national" search for a new superintendent when we know that Donna Micheaux will be the new superintendent? She is already at Bellefield.

This reminds me of the time when Allderdice needed a new principal and a "national" search was supposedly conducted. The "national" search found Robert Scherrer nearby at Woodland Hills School District! Save our $100,000 and stop the smoke and mirrors. "

Closing Wilkinsburg HS not a done deal

Anonymous wrote:

"EW POST:

Today's PG Letter to the Editor: The Wilkinsburg school closing is not a done deal

http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/10/25/The-Wilkinsburg-school-closing-is-not-a-done-deal.html

The controlling power structure in Wilkinsburg has no interest whatsoever in educating the student population in Wilkinsburg Schools. 

They have complained for years about the high cost of taxes in Wilkinsburg and since they are no longer (personally) draining hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the Wilkinsburg District (straight into their own pockets) they have decided close this school. One of a certain trio (no longer profiting) ran for school board with the stated purpose of closing the school. ("White power" sends their children to OTHER schools.)

Check the facts! You will find every word of this post to be true! But, will Pure Reform post it?"

Staff filing grievances

Anonymous wrote:

"New Posting

Uprep staff are filing grievances against new principal for multiple reasons." 

What is the role for restorative justice here?

Anonymous wrote:

"New post please

Restorative justice? 

http://m.wtae.com/news/4th-grader-threatened-with-box-cutter-in-school/35928536 "

Genuine community input for Superintendent search

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post Please:

It is the goal of Great Public Schools (GPS) to support the Pittsburgh Public School Board's desire for genuine community input in the process of recruiting the next Superintendent. We believe that the engagement of parents, students, teachers, and community members requires that those participants are treated as democratically as possible. When all voices are given space to participate in the conversation, we get the richest dialogue possible. 

As a first step, GPS is hosting a city-wide community engagement meeting to gather input to inform the superintendent search in a way that engages everyone on the same level, regardless of their perceived status. 

Thursday, October 22, 2015 
5:30 PM Dinner
6:00- 8:00 PM Community Engagement
Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy
Childcare and light dinner provided

To register for the event, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/GreatPublicSchoolsPittsburgh "

One example of the teacher evaluation system

Anonymous wrote:

"Is this really what the U.S. Secretary of Education had in mind when considering teacher evaluations:http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/10/04/Joe-Giansante-the-teacher-at-Pittsburgh-Brashear-High-School-who-s-fighting-back/stories/201507200001 "

U Prep Milliones student suspended for bringing heroin to school

Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/pittsburgh-high-school-student-busted-heroin-class/nnrM5/

UPREP in the news for student with heroin. "

2015 PSSA scores released

Anonymous wrote:

"2015 PSSA Scores Released by PDE on September 29, 2015 at 11 PM!"

Chief of Police

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post Please

How is the new Chief of Police doing in his new position? "

Former teachers/ administrators on school board

Anonymous wrote:

"new post:
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/09/24/pittsburgh-public-schools-union/

Andy Sheehan - "Some concerned union too involved in PPS as crucial decisions looming."
Former teachers and administrators now account for 4 0f 9 Board positions and 2 new people are running unopposed. (One's spouse is a teacher) Esther Bush states that this new mix might favor teachers' concerns over students'.

I welcome a new mix because the "old" mix certainly hasn't asserted itself against Lane, Gates, Broad, etc and all the initiatives that haven't worked. Teachers are the ones in the trenches and know best what the students need. Esther Bush should welcome change if she is concerned about the students and what they need. PPS needs a major make-over because the ship is sinking fast. A school board needs to be actively involved in district issues and initiatives and not just rubber stamp everything the Superintendent and Co. pass on to them. What are the powers that be afraid of really? "

Familiar story

Been meaning to post this for a while... "Getting Schooled," review of The Prize/ Who's in Charge of America's Schools?

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/23/books/review/the-prize-by-dale-russakoff.html?_r=0

Proposed Westiinghouse/ Wilkinsburg merger

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 

I just listened to the presentation of the pps/wilkinsburg working group report from the agenda review meeting. is it just me or is this being handled with tremendous care and thought? perhaps the involvement of PDE was useful. I do wonder about the 7 CTE programs at Westinghouse, in particular HVAC, Carpentry and Culinary Arts, each of which create a definite career path. The Pittsburgh Promise provides stories of success by focusing on students who took full advantage the scholarship, but where do we go to hear about kids who capitalized on CTE offerings, especially those that are vocational based? "

U Prep new administration

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 

Problems at U PREP already? 

The first week their are fights, kids screaming at adults and gun shots after school. The new administration are Mr. Horne the principal and Mr. Freeman the vice principal. The staff are already calling the principal Mr. Hardy jr because he does not talk to staff professionally and the kids say that he is soft. "

Search for new superintendent

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 
In search of Linda Lane's replacement: 

The Foundations and their leadership have begun their 'campaign' " to further advance the ambitious agenda that was started under Mark Roosevelt's tenure and nurtured so expertly by Linda Lane." http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2015/09/08/Gregg-Behr-Pittsburgh-schools-must-continue-the-legacy-of-Linda-Lane/stories/201509080021 

They say that Ms. Lane's report card makes for "impressive reading", citing graduation rates, enrollment in post-secondary education, and retention rates for Pittsburgh Promise students. 

Does anyone care to make the case -while citing the evidence- why Ms. Lane's tenure has in fact failed to educate the children of Pittsburgh Public Schools? "

Federal improvement grants to go to 5 PPS schools

Anonymous wrote:

"TEW POST PLEASE 

This is in this mornings Post Gazette: 

In response to the Aug. 25 article “Five Schools in Pittsburgh Awarded Federal Improvement Grants” (post-gazette.com): If the definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different result, then Pittsburgh Public Schools needs a straitjacket. 

Five chronically underperforming Pittsburgh public schools will receive more than $1 million each in federal school improvement grant (SIG) dollars to implement a “transformation” model. They are committing to using the new teacher evaluation system that they would be required to use under Pennsylvania law anyway. 

These schools already received school improvement grants in 2010. Despite this infusion of federal dollars, only one school has seen real improvement and three out of the five have actually seen dips in reading. 

Before you blame these declines on Pennsylvania’s broken funding formula, remember that the latest available data (school year 2012-2013) shows Pittsburgh Public Schools spends $22,000 per pupil, which is 30 percent more than the state average of $15,341. 

Lest you think teacher evaluations will be the game changer, note that at least 96 percent of teachers at each school were rated distinguished or proficient. At Perry High School, where a mere 63 percent of students graduate, not a single teacher received a “needs improvement” rating. 

Unfortunately, these schools aren’t outliers. A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the only SIG schools to see real gains were the ones that chose the more ambitious plans like converting to a charter school or reconstituting staff. 

That’s why Gov. Tom Wolf should support Senate Bill 6, Sen. Lloyd Smucker’s legislation that would require meaningful and proven interventions for chronically underperforming schools. Students in these schools deserve real reforms, not more of the same. 

JONATHAN CETEL 
Executive Director 
PennCAN 
Philadelphia 

A million here, a million there. Seems we had big federal cash cows before. When that money runs out, do we blame the Wolf, the Republicans, or Trump? (just kidding) 1 Million in 2010, another million now. Results are getting poorer each year. 
Give the million to Lane as a goodbye bribe. Anyone else will do for now. As I see it, it can only get better. And they still need to spend 35,000 for a teacher event at the Warhol. 
"meaningful and proven interventions", I thought they have been doing that all the time. Down the toilet baby, down the toilet. "

"Understanding rather than punishment"

* New Post * 
~ 22 Pittsburgh schools to use discipline aimed more at understanding than punishment 

I held my breath as I read the schools listed and am glad to see my child's school not listed. Sad to see that RAND Corp will receive a chunk of the $3 million grant (!) to evaluate whether Restorative Practices works... I would have been glad to inform PPS as to the effectiveness of "reducing punishment" for disruptive students and "hearing from the person who is harmed". 

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/08/31/22-Pittsburgh-schools-to-use-discipline-aimed-more-at-understanding-than-punishment/stories/201508280271 

Raises

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 

Can anyone tell me why the School Police received SEVERAL raises and the Security Officers that work in the schools have not received a raise in 22 years other than one percent a year? "

Politics and hiring decisions

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 

Are people that apply and deserve School District jobs being passed by because of politics in the district?" 

Looking for PSSA data

Anonymous wrote:

"New post please 

Has anyone seen any PSSA data? I tried looking online and read that PA had approved a change in cut scores for proficiency. It said the scores would be delayed. Apparently the cut score were raised after the tests were initially scored. Has anyone seen any data or heard anything? Thanks! "

PPS grads require remediation

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 
The PG article chart shows that 90% of Pittsburgh Public Schools students enrolled at CCAC take REMEDIAL classes!!!!!! 

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/08/02/More-CCAC-students-need-remedial-classes/stories/201505300026 

WOW! The article states that ____ 
“In some school districts, all of the students entering CCAC from the high school class of 2014 needed at least one remedial class. That includes East Allegheny, Highlands, Northgate. Steel Valley and Wilkinsburg high schools. In Pittsburgh Public Schools, the average was 90 percent overall. The largest number of city students — 45 — came from Brashear, and 96 percent of them needed to take remedial classes.” 
The article chart shows that 90% of Pittsburgh Public Schools students enrolled at CCAC take REMEDIAL classes!!!!!!! "

Another new program

Anonymous wrote:

"PPS has another new program in addition to the countless other programs it has initiated over the decade in an another effort to turn around its failing schools. This one is a 4 day camp in August for our students from Milliones, Perry and Westinghouse. http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/07/23/Schools-focus-on-positive-change-with-new-program/stories/201507230134. 

"If at first you don't succeed"_____ try and try and try again? 

Drop all the "programs" and then PPS will see____ that they have what they need to succeed. "

Remembering Dr. Helen Faison

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 

Remembering Dr. Helen Faison: Distinguished Educator and Leader for Pittsburgh Schools. 

When she spoke____ everyone listened. "

10 signs of a failing school district

Anonymous wrote:

"new related topic: 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner/ten-signs-your-child-is-i_b_7698514.html?utm_hp_ref=education&ir=Education&ncid=fcbkln 

10 Signs your child is in a failing school district-- 
Wow PPS only has 9 out of the 10 
It is strangely good to know that other places and people are experiencing exactly the topics covered nicely on this blog-we arent alone,sadly"

"Teachers union blasts evaluation system"

Anonymous wrote:

"New post please: 

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/07/02/Teachers-union-blasts-state-evaluation-system/stories/201507020216? 

Finally! I hope teachers will share stories to back this up and let everyone know what a sham the teacher evaluation system is. Sam Franklin, the head cheerleader for teacher evaluation, resigned this month in typical central office fashion--create a mess and get out of town before the truth comes out! 

I am a parent, not a teacher. Please teachers, tell us the truth. Is the high cost teacher evaluation system a benefit to our district? Are teachers getting the support needed to improve practice? Does the system REALLY identify the best teachers? 

Principals, please share your stories as well. Parents can fight to repeal Act 82 but we need to know the truth."

Would you send your kids to PPS?

Anonymous wrote:

"new thread please 

http://www.reddit.com/r/pittsburgh/comments/3b2pgs/are_you_planning_on_sending_your_kids_to/ 

"

Return of the public safety CTE program

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post Please... 
This in this mornings Post, http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/06/11/Pittsburgh-career-and-technical-education-programs-get-financial-boost/stories/201506110185 

If PPS had this program in the past, why did they eliminate it? I thought this program was also at Langley High School. If it was a "robust" and "rigorous" program, why did it not survive. If it was not viable then, why do it again now? Once the AFT money dries up, will PPS continue to fund it? 
How about the instructor. Will he/she be certified? Is there a vocational certificate to qualify one to teach this program? Is Angela Mike certified to be the director? "

Pittsburgh Promise and African- American males

Anonymous wrote:

"Questioner, will you kindly start a new post to discuss the Pittsburgh Promise and the current issue in the news regarding AA males. I would love to hear what teachers have to say. "

Grant money

Anonymous wrote:

"new post: PPS grant monies 

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/05/24/Pittsburgh-schools-to-get-less-than-78-million-in-announced-grants/stories/201505170001 

Wow! Look at all the money wasted. Judy Johnston and Paula Bevan got $1,800/day. This article is very eye opening. When grant money dries up, do they expect our tax dollars to pick up the slack? "

PPS teacher refuses to give PSSA

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/05/23/Pittsburgh-teacher-stands-alone-by-refusing-to-give-tests/stories/201505250003

Change at U Prep?

Anonymous wrote:

"New topic: 

I heard Derrick Hardy is leaving UPrep? "

Job requirements reduced to accommodate a specific candidate?

Anonymous wrote:

"

New Post 

The Chief of Police position is now posted. Should the Chief have to have a college degree making them educated for a job in charge of an entire department? The PPS changed the position from needing an college educated chief to no longer needing a college education. Why? "

Perry HS- High faculty turnover, other issues

Anonymous wrote:

"

*New post please 

Once again I am left to wonder how Perry has managed to fly under the radar. I think it's appalling and worthy of further investigation that 60% of the current teaching staff has applied for a transfer! In fact, the ENTIRE MATH DEPARTMENT at Perry applied for a single position at CAPA! What's going on? Until this year, Perry High School had the HIGHEST TEACHER RETENTION RATE OF ANY HIGH SCHOOL IN THE CITY! Teachers who were in the classrooms there STAYED due to commitment to the kids. In one year, Principal Chakey managed to crush that statistic into dust under his heavy steel-toed boots. Teachers have had to reevaluate their priorities--staying for the kids, to whom many had committed a lifetime of service, or save their own sanity after having to teach in an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. It's time for someone to look into the number of classes currently not being taught by highly qualified teachers in that building. So many substitutes have been banned that an inordinate number of classes (left without teachers due to the extraordinary number of those out on leave) are now being covered by other teachers in the building on a period by period basis. This means that there is no consistency, no ongoing learning, and no expectation of growth. Have we marginalized our North Side youth to such an extent that they no longer matter? Perry has the highest rate of chronic absences in the city. Where is the outcry? Our black youngsters are being left to fend for themselves in a building led by a man who, when at Oliver, had so many suspensions that if you were a black male, you had a 98% chance of being suspended. Finally, the number of students attending Perry has dropped by almost 50%. How long can the district afford to keep Perry open at that rate? Is that the goal? To close the only neighborhood high school for our North Side kids? Wake up North Side parents--before it's too late! "

"Hear our teachers"

Anonymous wrote:

"https://vimeo.com/107637092 


Hear Our Teachers 2 Minute Trailer 
from Ethan Gabriel 
Why waste money on profiteers with no classroom experience when the experts are already on salary? Hear the dangers of corporate / government control. Hear the solutions from those in the know. HEAR OUR TEACHERS. "

Compensation disparities

Anonymous wrote:

"Compensation Disparities 
http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/8353996-74/teachers-allegheny-pennsylvania#axzz3aOwu8d00 
(new topic) 
While on the surface I'm sure people will say that "of course" suburban districts have more highly paid educators, and that this is why they have high rankings. But perhaps these high ratings by U.S. News and World Report and Pittsburgh Business Times could be the result of the large number of seasoned teachers. 
One of the biggest complaints that families had previously was the high turn over of teachers in the rougher schools- and conversely the stability in thehigher scoring schools. This has been lost since 2006-- and now we try for a team of rookies (as some suburban schools sometimes refer to new teachers). New teachrs do invigorate a school, especially when combined with experienced teachers. "

Request for more African American teachers, classes

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post:Students Call For Action 
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/05/16/Black-students-teachers-call-for-more-diversity-in-classes-hiring/stories/201505160082 

Lets get behind these kids and make an impact! "

Call to action for today

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post: 
Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As part of the Campaign for Fair Education Funding, Education Voters PA has organized a Call to Action for Public Education on Thursday, May 14th. The goal of this Call to Action is for you to call your legislators and the Governor to make sure they make the development of a fair and predictable Basic Education Funding formula a priority in this legislative session. I encourage you to participate in the Call to Action. 

Below are the names of our legislators and contact numbers to make it a bit easier for you to make the call. Please spread the word to your email lists and ask them to do the same. This is really important for all of us to do. We can make a difference! 

PA House Representative - The Honorable Ed Gainey 412-665-5502 
PA Senate Representative - The Honorable Jay Costa 412-241-6690 
Governor Wolf Liaison office - 717-787-5825 

Thanks in advance for your support. "

Student caught attempting to bring a loaded gun to Clayton

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 

http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/17-year-old-student-accused-bringing-loaded-handgu/nmCSZ/ 

How do they keep stories like this from bring front page news in every local media outlet. A student brought a loaded gun in his backpack. "

PPS a big spender on programs promoting different expectations for some student groups

Anonymous wrote:

"+new post+ 

When I saw this link I didn't want to open it because I was afraid I would find Pittsburgh Public on the list. THEY WERE ON THE TOP OF THE LIST! What are we doing to our chidren?!!! 

http://eagnews.org/school-districts-spending-millions-on-white-privilege-training-for-employees/ 

"

Roosevelt leaving Antioch

Anonymous posted:

"PG article: "Former Pittsburgh superintendent Roosevelt to leave Antioch College" 

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/05/06/Former-Pittsburgh-superintendent-Roosevelt-to-leave-Antioch-College/stories/201505060146"

Performance-based pay for principals

Anonymous wrote:

"Performance based pay for principals: 

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/05/02/Performance-based-pay-awarded-to-49-city-principals/stories/201504300027 

This money is coming from district funds, not from federal grant money. First of all, the teachers are doing the work with the students to raise scores. Secondly, raising students' "scores" should be part of the entire staffs' job. Why do they need extra pay to do what is part of their job description? They all should be doing it as part of their profession. Does PPS have to offer incentives to get the job done? Taxpayers are footing this bill now. "

State education funding

Anonymous wrote:


"NEW POST - http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/04/27/Pittsburgh-Mayor-Bill-Peduto-addresses-Pennsylvania-Basic-Education-Funding-Commission/stories/201504270141 

From the PG article: 

“During the hearing, state Sen. Pat Browne, R-Allentown, co-chairman of the commission, referred to Pittsburgh’s high per-pupil cost. He said it was significantly higher than other urban districts, such as Philadelphia, Allentown and Lancaster, and higher than most in the state. According to the most recent state figures, Pittsburgh’s per-pupil costs fell from $21,711 in 2010-11 to $20,594 in 2012-13. That drop took it from the eighth highest to the 29th highest.” 

Please NOTICE that while Pittsburgh is among the 30 HIGHEST PER PUPIL COST in PA, Pittsburgh is among the 30 LOWEST-ACHIEVING districts in PA every year since 2003. "

Network for Public Education conference being streamed live

Anonymous wrote:

"New thread 


http://www.schoolhouselive.org/?can_id=b82ff15002a07128fea6fc53b72e9314&source=email-watch-npechicago-live-this-weekend&email_referrer=watch-npechicago-live-this-weekend 

Streaming live all weekend "

Restorative practices grant

Anonymous wrote:

"new post: 

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/04/22/23-Pittsburgh-schools-to-use/stories/201504220206 

More of our tax dollars wasted. A $3 million federal grant for "restorative practices." Note that the money is for training AND research by the Rand Corp. Rand gets their hand in the pie again

"

Negative impact of PSSAs

Anonymous wrote:

"Courage on the front-lines within PPS:http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2015/04/22/The-PSSAs-are-hurting-my-kids-as-they-are-being-tested-on-what-they-don-t-know/stories/20150422002 
"

PPS Public Hearing Show for March 2015 air dates

The March Pittsburgh Public Schools Public Hearing can be viewed on PCTV Channel 21 (Comcast) and Channel 47 (Verizon) on the following days/times:

Thursday 4/16/2015, 7:00 AM

 Thursday 4/16/2015, 12:00 PM

 Monday 4/20/2015, 7:00 PM

 Tuesday 4/21/2015, 3:00 PM

 Wednesday 4/22/2015, 4:00 PM

 Thursday 4/23/2015, 7:00 AM

 Friday 4/24/2015, 5:00 PM

 Monday 4/27/2015, 7:00 PM

 Tuesday 4/28/2015, 7:00 AM

 Wednesday 4/29/2015, 4:00 PM

 Thursday 4/30/2015, 10:00 AM

After the show has been aired it will also be available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/publichearingshowpa

Sign up by noon on Monday April 20 (412 529-3868) to speak at this month's public hearing (6:00 pm).

PPS HS rankings; PSSA article

Anonymous wrote:

"

New Post: 
Two NEWS venues dealing with PPS are out today? 
1) The Pittsburgh Business Times ranks 5 of 9 PPS high schools in the bottom 15 schools in our region of Western Pennsylvania. Those in the bottom 15--- from highest to lowest are---CARRICK, BRASHEAR, PERRY, MILLIONES and WESTINGHOUSE. 

The Business Times ranks PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS as 466 out of 493. 

Today's PG shows why PPS is so LOW in ACHIEVEMENT. The article by Eleanor Chute, based on her interviews with Pittsburgh Staff, reveals a complete lack of knowledge about Pennsylvania Standards & Assessments! The mis-representatio of structure and content is alarming. 

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/04/13/Schools-will-begin-revised-state-assessment-tests-today/stories/201504130003 

"

"Blackboard Jungle" showing tonight

PURE commentators may be interested in this classic film, showing tonight only at Filmmakers Regent Square:

http://theaters.pittsburgharts.org/films/blackboard-jungle

Grants expiring

Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/04/07/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-discusses-next-steps-after-grants-expire/stories/201504070199 

Any doubt about who is being primed as the new Superintendent for PPS? 
Donna Micheaux? "

Student taken to Shuman Center

On the "U Prep Now" thread Anonymous wrote:

"A student was found on a computer at school with a knife reading how to kill someone with a knife today on the middle school floor. The student was taken to shun an center. "

East End board representative election

Anonymous wrote:

"Lynda Wren is running for school board in District 4 on the platform that she has seen what has worked and what hasn't as a school volunteer. http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/03/30/East-End-has-first-contested-Pittsburgh-school-board-race-in-decades/stories/201503300001 

Let us ask the tough questions. 

"

Technology education/ voc ed classes

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post Please, 

This is in Saturday's Post.http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/03/28/Elizabeth-Forward-student-creates-canoe-in-high-school-s/stories/201503280031 

Technology education classes were gutted from PPS some time ago. How many wood or metal shops still exist? How many Tech Ed classes are on any school's master schedule? California University of Pennsylvania used to be among the top five colleges in the country for tech ed majors. A school in our back yard that PPS could collaborate with. Oh, PPS has kept up with technology. iPads, laptops, smartboards... 
When was the last time our kids got their hands really dirty."

Perspectives on Common Core

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post 

Perspectives:"Up with the Common Core" 
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2015/03/27/Up-with-the-Common-Core/stories/201503270174 

"

10 year old student facing criminal charges

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post Please. 

The thread on Administrators is too long and has gone off topic to discipline. Some of the later comments were on desks and punches thrown. Here is from channel 11 news today. A fifth grader with assault and other charges. I told ya it happens. Not every day, but it does happen. 

http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/mother-says-school-security-guard-slapped-her-10-y/nkc3F/ 

"

PPS Public Hearing February 2015 air dates

The February 2015 Pittsburgh Public Schools Public Hearing can be viewed on PCTV Channel 21 (Comcast) and Channel 47 (Verizon) on the following days/times:

Monday 3/23/2015, 6:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Tuesday 3/24/2015, 3:30 AM, Channel PCTV

Wednesday 3/25/2015, 8:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Monday 3/30/2015, 6:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Tuesday 3/31/2015, 6:00 AM, Channel PCTV

Wednesday 4/1/2015, 4:00 PM, Channel PCTV

Thursday 4/2/2015, 10:00 AM, Channel PCTV

Friday 4/3/2015, 5:00 PM, Channel PCTV

After the show has been aired it will also be available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/c/publichearingshowpa

Sign up by noon tomorrow (412 529-3868) to speak at tomorrow's public hearing (6:00 pm).