Some noise from A+ Schools

What is the Value Added at Pittsburgh Public Schools? What is PVAAS anyway?

If you are looking for answers to these questions join us for a PVAAS briefing on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. The meeting will be held from 6PM to 8PM at Pittsburgh University Prep in the Milliones Facility, 3117 Center Avenue in the Hill District.

Jennifer Ross from the PA Department of Education, Dr. Linda Lane, Deputy Superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and three PPS Principals, Melissa Friez from Peabody, Derrick Hardy from Vann, and Cindi Muehlbauer from Arlington, will be on hand to lend their perspectives and expertise and answer your questions.

Because we value your time and participation, A+ Schools will provide dinner as well as childcare for children over 1. Please let us know you are coming by calling (412) 258-2660 ext 101. RSVP TODAY!

PVAAS is new information made available in A+ Schools’ 2008 Report to the Community released earlier this month. PVAAS is measure of growth in PSSA achievement produced by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. PVAAS estimates whether or not selected grade levels made progress no matter where their starting point was. If you haven’t already seen the 2008 Report to the Community you can check it out at www.aplusschools.org/cspr08.html. Let us know if you would like a hard copy by emailing us at info@aplusschools.org.

Community View on Good Governance

A+ Schools believes that the Pittsburgh Public Schools are vital to the success of the region. We believe good school board governance is essential to improving our schools. To that end we would like to understand how the community views the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ school board governance. We would appreciate your responses to this brief online survey (the survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete). Your responses will help us identify and communicate the community’s expectations.

Access the survey by visiting this link:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228KG6CLXLV.

PPS Budget News

A public hearing will be held TOMORROW, DECEMBER 2 at NOON to provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the Preliminary General Fund Budget for 2009. It will be held at the Pittsburgh Public Schools Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Conference Room A in Oakland. Other key dates are as follows:

12/08/08: Regular Public Hearing - 7:00 p.m. - Administration Building, Conference Room A

12/17/08: Legislative Meeting - 2009 Budget Vote

All budget related materials can be accessed online. Public feedback can be provided to the Parent Hotline at (412)622-7920, to the Superintendent via an e-mail to: superintendentoffice@pghboe.net or via mail.