Great Public Schools for All Pittsburgh Children · 2. Rich, Culturally Relevant Curriculum and...
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Great Public Schools for All Pittsburgh Children How do we make all the public schools in Pittsburgh into great schools, schools that any family will happily send their children to, and that students will want to attend? At the same time, how can we address the long-standing disparities in our city, with far too many families living in poverty and students of color lacking equitable access to opportunities? We have a plan. We believe that making schools the hearts of our neighborhoods is the most important improvement we can make in the coming years. Students and families deserve community schools that level the playing field and provide access to programs, services and resources that help them succeed in school and in life. We believe that all students ought to have equal access to education, including homeless children, children in foster care, children in residential placements, children with disabilities, immigrant students and English language learners. Our Great Public Schools (GPS) Pittsburgh coalition consists of parents, educators, students, community members, local unions, faith-based leaders and social justice advocates. We have worked with thousands of people in Pittsburgh to develop a concrete, positive, attainable vision for our schools. A COMMUNITY-BASED PLAN
Transcript of Great Public Schools for All Pittsburgh Children · 2. Rich, Culturally Relevant Curriculum and...
Great Public Schools for All Pittsburgh Children
How do we make all the public schools in Pittsburgh into great schools, schools that any family will happily send their children to, and that students will want to attend? At the same time, how can we address the long-standing disparities in our city, with far too many families living in poverty and students of color lacking equitable access to opportunities? We have a plan.
We believe that making schools the hearts of our neighborhoods is the most important improvement we can make in the coming years. Students and families deserve community schools that level the playing field and provide access to programs, services and resources that help them succeed in school and in life. We believe that all students ought to have equal access to education, including homeless children, children in foster care, children in residential placements, children with disabilities, immigrant students and English language learners.
Our Great Public Schools (GPS) Pittsburgh coalition consists of parents, educators, students, community members, local unions, faith-based leaders and social justice advocates. We have worked with thousands of people in Pittsburgh to develop a concrete, positive, attainable vision for our schools.
A COMMUNITY-BASED PLAN
1. Re-imagining Schools at the Center of Our Communities
• Meet multiple student and community needs.• Schools as social and cultural centers.• Collaborate with communities as partners.• Protect schools as valued public assets.
2. Rich, Culturally Relevant Curriculum and Programs• Full art, music, science, history and world
language programs.• A full-time, professional librarian in every school.• A full and varied athletic program.• The reduction of high-stakes testing for our children.
3. Focus on Student Learning• Smaller class sizes.• Differentiated instruction.• Provisions to meet the special education needs
of all our students.
• Well-funded and widely available tutoring programs.
• A high-quality, well-supported teacher in every classroom.
4. Early Childhood Education• Expanded early childhood learning opportunities.• Maintenance of full-day kindergarten.• More rest and play time for kindergartners.
5. School Climate• Adequate daily recess for all students.• A nurse in every school, every school day.• Bullying prevention programs in every school.• Fair and nondiscriminatory disciplinary policies.• Authentic parent engagement.• Positive behavior support and restorative justice.• Appropriate number of guidance counselors
and social worker
OVERVIEW OF OUR VISION
Implementing a Community Schools Strategy1. Build awareness across the city.2. Develop a citywide task force.3. Design a five-year plan.4. Evidence of community school effectiveness.5. Funding for community schools.
Finding New Revenue for Our Children1. Engage the entire community in a concerted
effort to restore the state budget cuts.2. Lobby for a fair funding formula.
3. Work with state legislators for charter reform.4. Work with the city of Pittsburgh to find
mutually beneficial solutions.5. Ensure that everyone pays their fair share.6. Consider a small local tax increase.7. Work with federal legislators to end sequestration.8. Explore alternative sources of revenue with
existing resources.9. Partner with local foundations, businesses and
community organizations.
OVERVIEW OF OUR SOLUTIONS
By committing ourselves to a community schools strategy, we are able to promise all Pittsburgh students what they deserve: a rich, diverse, culturally relevant curriculum; schools in which they are safe, respected and valued; highly qualified teachers who are given the resources and support they need; full arts and athletic programs; smaller class sizes; a reduction in high-stakes testing; dedication to equity, inclusion and racial justice; and so much more. If our district—and we as a city—can make this commitment, we have the opportunity to inspire all of our children and instill in them a lifelong passion for learning.
Read more details about our vision and solutions in our new report, Great Public Schools for All Pittsburgh Children: A Community-Based Plan, available at www.gpspgh.org.
