Pittsburgh Public Schools

Infobox School District
name = Pittsburgh Public Schools
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motto = Excellence for All
type = Public school
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grades = Pre-K–12
superintendent = Mark Roosevelt
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conference = PIAA District 8
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location = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
country = USA
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website = [http://www.pps.k12.pa.us Pittsburgh Public Schools]

Pittsburgh Public Schools is the public school district in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA and adjacent Mount Oliver.

The combined land area of these municipalities is 55.3 square miles with a population of 342,503 according to the 2000 census.cite web |url= http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/stuff/2007prelim.pdf|title= 2007 Preliminary Budget|accessdate=2006-11-20 |format= PDF|work= Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site] As of August 2005, the Superintendent is Mark Roosevelt and on December 13, 2006 Linda S. Lane became Deputy Superintendent [cite news |first=Joe |last=Smydo |title=City schools hire deputy superintendent |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06347/745970-100.stm |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=2006-12-13 |accessdate=2006-12-14] . It operates 65 schools with 5,180 full-time employees and serves 29,445cite news |first= Joe|last= Smydo|title= City's schools lose more students|url= http://www.postgazette.com/pg/06311/736277-298.stm|work= Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|page= A-1| date= 2006-11-07| accessdate= 2006-11-11] cite news |first= Joe|last= Smydo|title= City schools try to hold line on taxes|url= http://www.postgazette.com/pg/06314/737192-298.stm|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |page= A-1| date= 2006-11-10| accessdate= 2006-11-11] students with an operating budget of $533.6 million.

Locations:
*"Administration Building"—341 S. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213—coord|40.444716|N|79.950660|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title
*"Facilities Division"—1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203—coord|40.4302|N|79.9853|W|type:landmark
*"Food Service"—8 S. 13th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203—coord|40.4312|N|79.9854|W|type:landmark
* "Parent-to-Parent Special Education Help Line" 412-323-3996

History

Public education in Pittsburgh began in 1835. The Pittsburgh Public School District was formed by the combining of the city's Ward schools in November 1911. At that time the Board of education had 15 appointed members. In 1976, this was changed to the current elective system.

Academics

Accelerated Learning Academies

As part of the final right-sizing plan approved by the Board in February 2006, eight of the poorer performing schools were transformed into Accelerated Learning Academies (ALAs). [cite web |url=http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/acceleratedlearningacademies.asp |title= Accelerated Learning Academies |accessdate=2006-12-20 |work=Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site] The eight schools were: Arlington Accelerated Learning Academy (K–8, two campuses), Colfax Accelerated Learning Academy (K–8), Fort Pitt Accelerated Learning Academy (Elementary), Martin Luther King Accelerated Learning Academy (K–8), Murray Accelerated Learning Academy (K–8), Northview Accelerated Learning Academy (Elementary), A. J. Rooney Accelerated Learning Academy (Middle), Weil Technology Accelerated Learning Academy (K–8). [cite web |url=http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/alas.asp |title=Accelerated Learning Academies |accessdate=2006-12-20 |work=Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site] These schools were put on a longer school year calendar [cite web |url=http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/AcceleratedLearningAcademyALACalendar.asp |title= Accelerated Learning Academy 2006-2007 School Calendar |date=2006-05-01 |accessdate=2006-12-20 |work=Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site] with 10 extra days, as well as a longer school day adding 45 minutes of instructional time. [cite web |url=http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/stuff/ala%20faq.pdf |title=PPS ALAs Frequently Asked Questions |accessdate=2006-12-20 |work=Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site] The ALAs use the "America's Choice" Design Model [cite web |url=http://www.ncee.org/acsd/index.jsp |title=America's Choice |accessdate=2006-12-20 |work=NCEE Web Site] , developed by the National Center on Education and the Economy.

Kaplan Curriculum

In early 2006 the district contracted with Kaplan K12 Learning Services to develop a core curriculum for grades 6 through 12. The core curriculum will be phased in over the course of three years: during the 2006-7 school year the district will implement the new curriculum for English in grades 6–10 and Math in grades 6, 9 and 10; in 2007-8 English in grades 11 and 12, Math in grades 7 and 11, and Science in grades 6–11 will start; and Math grade 8, and Social Studies grades 6–11 will start in 2008-9. Lesson plans and curriculum coaching will be provided to teachers, and the students will undergo benchmark testing every 6 weeks to assess student progress. Each school will have curriculum coaches on-site to aid teachers and provide them with professional development. The Key Concepts presented in the curriculum will be aligned with the state standards tested for in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment annual tests. [cite web |url=http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/stuff/kaplan%20parent%20presentation.pdf |title=Kaplan Parent Presentation |accessdate=2006-12-20 |work=Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site]

ignature

The district trademark was created with the Design Department of Carnegie Mellon University. The colorful central building blocks and the "Pittsburgh Public Schools" logotype together form the PPS "signature."

The multi-colored building blocks are closely associated with children and child development. They represent the multi-cultural community of Pittsburgh and the diversity of the programs and students in the district. The blocks are also versatile in that they can be used in any media either in color or black and white.cite web |url=http://www.pghboe.net/PPSSignature.asp |title=The Pittsburgh Public Schools Signature |accessdate=2006-11-27 |work=Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site ]

The Pittsburgh Promise

On December 13, 2006 Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Superindendent Mark Roosevelt announced "The Pittsburgh Promise" initiative. Starting in 2008 "The Promise" will make available to all graduates satisfying the criteria a scholarship to any accredited post-secondary institution within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The $5-7 million per year necessary to fund this will be raised through private contributions from foundations and corporations. [cite press release |title=Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Superintendent Mark Roosevelt Announce Partnership to Create "The Pittsburgh Promise" |publisher=Pittsburgh Public Schools |date=2006-12-13 |url=http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/stuff/pittsburgh%20promise%20-%2012%2013%2006.pdf |accessdate=2006-12-13]

"The Pittsburgh Promise" is similar to an existing program in Kalamazoo, Michigan known as the Kalamazoo Promise. A joint City and School District task force will be formed to develop the plan. Work has been done by the District's High School Reform Task Force and the Mayor's Business and Economic Development Committee. [cite news |first=Rich |last=Lord |title=City schools to promise college funds for good students |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06347/745778-100.stm |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=2006-12-13 |accessdate=2006-12-13 ]

In January 2007 the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers made the first contribution to "The Pittsburgh Promise" scholarship program. The donation by the union was to show the teachers' support for the program. [cite news |first=Joe |last=Smydo |title=Teachers union gives $10,000 to new city scholarship fund |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07012/753263-298.stm |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=2007-01-12 |accessdate=2007-01-13 ]

Board of Education

The Pittsburgh Public Schools have an elected nine-member Board, who serve without pay. Each member represents a geographic region of the City, and serves for a four year term.cite web |url= http://www.pghboe.net/AbouttheBoard.asp|title= About the Board|accessdate=2006-11-25 |work= Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site] As of 2007, the members arecite web |url= hhttp://www.pps.k12.pa.us/14311059122535553/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=55256&14311059122535553Nav=|&NodeID=1486|title= Board of Directors|accessdate=2007-12-12|work= Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site] :

* William Isler (President) – District 4
* Randall Taylor (First VP) – District 1
* Theresa Colaizzi (Second VP) – District 5
* Mark Brentley, Sr. – District 8
* Heather Arnet – District 2
* Jean Fink – District 7
* Floyd McCrea – District 9
* Sherry Hazuda – District 6
* Thomas Sumpter – District 3

chools

Elementary schools (K–5)

*Allegheny Traditional Academy Elementary School
*Arsenal Elementary School
*Banksville Elementary School
*Beechwood Elementary School
*Concord Elementary School
*Dilworth Traditional Academy
*Fort Pitt Accelerated Learning Academy
*Fulton Academy of Geographic and Life Sciences
*Grandview Elementary School
*Liberty Elementary School
*Linden Elementary School
*Minadeo Elementary School
*Morrow Elementary School
*Northview Accelerated Learning Academy
*Phillips Elementary School
*Roosevelt Elementary School (also: Pre-K) (two campuses: Pre-K–1 & 2–5)
*Spring Hill Elementary School
*West Liberty Elementary School
*Whittier Elementary School
*Woolslair Elementary School

K–8 schools

*Arlington Accelerated Learning Academy (two campuses: K–2 & 3–8)
*Brookline School
*Carmalt Academy of Science and Technology
*Colfax Accelerated Learning Academy
*Helen S. Faison School (two campuses: K–4 & 5–8)
*Greenfield School
*Martin Luther King Accelerated Learning Academy
*Lincoln School (two campuses: K–4 & 5–8)
*Manchester School
*Mifflin School
*Miller African Centered Academy
*Pittsburgh Montessori School (also: Pre-K)
*Murray Accelerated Learning Academy
*Schaeffer School (two campuses: K–3 & 4–8)
*Stevens School
*Sunnyside School
*Robert L. Vann School
*Weil Technology Accelerated Learning Academy
*Westwood School
*Vann School

Middle schools (6–8)

*Allegheny Traditional Academy Middle School
*Arsenal Middle School
*Pittsburgh Classical Academy Middle School
*Frick International Studies Academy Middle School
*Rogers Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts
*A. J. Rooney Accelerated Learning Academy
*Schiller Classical Academy Middle School
*South Brook Middle School
*South Hills Middle School
*Sterrett Classical Academy Middle School

High schools (9-12)

*Brashear High School
*Carrick High School
*Westinghouse High School
*Langley High School
*Oliver High School
*Peabody High School
*Perry Traditional Academy High School
*Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts
*Pittsburgh Schenley at Reizenstein
*Taylor Allderdice High School

pecial schools

*Conroy Education Center
*McNaugher Education Center
*Pioneer Education Center
*Pittsburgh Gifted Center
*Student Achievement Center High School
*Student Achievement Center Middle School

Charter schools

As required by Pennsylvania state law, the District funds a number of Charter schools: [cite web |url=http://www.edreform.com/charter_schools/websites/pennsylvania.html |title=Pennsylvania Charter School Websites |accessdate=2007-01-03 |work=The Center for Education Reform Website]

*Renaissance Academy of Pittsburgh Alternative of Hope K–5 — Charter renewal denied by Board on 25 April 2006 [cite news |title=Board denies renewal of E. Liberty charter school |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07116/781073-298.stm |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=2007-04-26 |accessdate=2007-04-26]
*Urban League of Pittsburgh Charter School K–5
*Manchester Academic Charter School K–8
*Northside Urban Pathways Charter School 6–12
*Academy Charter School 9–12
*Career Connections Charter High School 9–12 — Charter renewed for five years on 21 March 2007 [cite web |url=http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/operationsoffice/stuff/boardminutes03-21-07.pdf |title=MINUTES Meeting of: March 2 1,2007 |accessdate=2007-04-26 |format=PDF |pages= [http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/operationsoffice/stuff/boardminutes03-21-07.pdf#page=27 p.640-1] |publisher=Pittsburgh Public Schools ]
*City Charter High School 9–12 — Charter renewed for five years on 8 November 2006 [cite news |first=Joe |last=Smydo |title=City schools want to close 2 more charter schools |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06313/736917-298.stm |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=2006-11-09 |accessdate=2007-04-26]

Closed schools

Prior to 2006

*South Vo Tech
*South Hills High School
*Fifth Avenue High School – Closed in 1976
*Central High School
* Gladstone Middle School in Hazelwood. Gladstone was also high school in the past.

2006 right-sizing

*Bon Air K-5
*Burgwin K-7
*Chatham K-5
*Clayton K-5
*Columbus 6-8
*Crescent K-5
*East Hills K-5
*Friendship K-5
*Greenway 6-8
*Knoxville K-5
*Knoxville 6-8
*Lemington K-5
*Madison K-5
*Horace Mann K-5
*McCleary K-5
*Margaret Milliones 6-8
*Morningside K-8
*Prospect K-5
*Prospect 6-8
*Florence Reizenstein 6-8
*Sheraden K-5
*Washington Polytechnic 6-8
*West Side K-5

Charter Schools Closed

*Career Connections Charter Middle School 6–8 — Charter revoked by Board on 27 September 2006 [cite news |first=Joe |last=Smydo |title=School board votes to close Career Connections school |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06271/725715-298.stm |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=2006-09-28 |accessdate=2007-01-03 ] — Closed 29 November 2006 [cite news |first=Joe |last=Smydo |title=Charter middle school to shut Nov. 29 |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06321/739087-53.stm |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2007-04-26]

Athletics

PIAA District 8

;Elementary school:Winter — Swimming:Spring — Track

;Middle school:Fall — Cross Country, Girls Softball, Boys Softball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball:Winter — Swimming, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball:Spring — Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Wrestling

;High school:Fall — Cross Country, Football, JV Football, Golf, Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball:Winter — Swimming, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling:Spring — Boys Baseball, Boys Tennis, Boys Volleyball, Girls Softball, Co-ed Track & Field

*The George K. Cupples Stadium is located on East Carson Street between 8th and 9th Streets, next to the now closed South Vo Tech High School. — coord|40.4281|N|79.9908|W|type:landmark

References

External links

* [http://www.pps.pgh.pa.us Pittsburgh Public Schools site]
* [http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20060210School_plan_chart.gifRight-sizing plan chart from] Pittsburgh Post-Gazette