PG article on state test results

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-west/new-state-school-tests-find-results-similar-to-old-tests-707943/

Strangely, the article specifically notes which schools in for example McKeesport and Wilkinsburg, but not which schools in PPS, are designated as "focus" or "priority" schools.

Lellock sentencing

On another post Anonymous wrote

New topic please--
Anyone seen any reporting on Mr. Lellock's sentencing? How do they report...it's gonna happen, and then dont follow up? 

Teacher's account of testing

On another post Anonymous wrote


New post please:
A teacher’s troubling account of giving a 106-question standardized test to 11 year olds
By Valerie Strauss, Published: October 6 at 1:30 pm

An account from a Pittsburgh teacher was the 2 most read article in the Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/10/06/a-teachers-troubling-account-of-giving-a-106-question-standardized-test-to-11-year-olds/ 

Test scores "are not the only thing"

On another post Anonymous wrote:


"Ms. Lane said the test scores matter, but they are not the only thing. She said district research of its graduates shows that the most important predictors of post-secondary education success are grade point average and attendance, not state test scores.

District officials raised several possibilities for the decline in PSSA scores, including the impact of budget cuts."

From today's PG:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pa-schools-report-reveals-mixed-results-in-pittsburgh-706297/

"

10 years to see if Gates reforms work

On another post Anonymous wrote:

New post:
http://m.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/09/27/bill-gates-it-would-be-great-if-our-education-stuff-worked-but/

But teachers are losing their jobs now over his reforms!

Pittsburgh Promise update

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/education/success-cited-in-pittsburgh-promise-data-a-new-major-gift-expected-704643/

The article mentions that 700 Promise recipients have graduated from 2 or 4 year programs since the Promise began in 2008.  In terms of measuring the program's impact, it would be good to know how many from Pittsburgh public schools graduated from a 2 or 4 year program in PA during the 5 years before the Promise was available. 

And, because the Promise may make it more likely for students to stay in PA for college, information on the total number and percentage of students graduating from 2 and 4 year programs pre- and post- Promise would also be relevant.

This type of information would provide real support for the headline announcing success.

Schenley documentary to air on WQED October 5

The documentary video "Enter to Learn, For Forth to Serve" on Schenley High School will air on WQED: 

Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 10:00pm

Filmmakers Corner: Enter to Learn, Go Forth To Serve
The decision to close Schenley, one of the City’s most respected and beloved high schools after the 2008 school year, was one met with anger and sadness by quite a few Pittsburghers. But Schenley was more than just another controversial school closing. The documentary discusses Schenley’s legacy with former students, faculty and community leaders. They recall the school’s glory days and its last impact on the city. Host Minette Seate will be joined by Michelle Jackson, Community Affairs Officer for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and Lacal Turner who was part of the film’s production team. Ms. Jackson talks about the HACP’s Creative Arts Corner, the program that helps residents become media literate. For more information on “Enter To Learn, Go Forth to Serve” and the HACP programs, viewers can call them at 412-395-3950 or visit on line www.hacp.org.