Resources for pre-k through 5th grade

• Family Centers of Allegheny County offers 27 Family Centers that provide childcare/early learning support, community events, and parenting advice.

• Trying Together focuses on children’s early learning experiences.

• Reading is Fundamental Pittsburgh provides economically disadvantaged children with access to self-selected books and engages families in literacy practices at home.

• The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh offers story times for children beginning from babyhood. Library staff can also help you find books of interest to your child, including audio and graphic books.

• If you’re concerned about your preschool child’s development, you can call the Pittsburgh district’s Early Intervention Office at 412-529-4000 to schedule an evaluation. Services are available for all families, whether or not you intend to enroll your child in a district school or preschool. Another resource is the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers (afit.org or 412-885-6000).

• The Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education is a support and advocacy group for families with children who receive special education services.

Resources for middle and high school students

• Scheduling and taking the right courses is critical to postsecondary success. In 6-12 and 9-12 schools, the district offers AP (Advanced Placement) courses, CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs, and CAS (Centers for Advanced Study) courses.

  • AP Over 90% of four-year colleges in the U.S. provide college credit and/or advanced placement for students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam. This not only gives students a head start on college, but it also saves them money. Visit pghschools.org/Page/826, or contact us if you’re not sure how your child can enroll in an AP course.

  • CTE PPS offers 16 CTE programs (pghschools.org/cte) that prepare high school students for careers in high demand fields. CTE Career Counselors are available to conduct tours of all the CTE programs. Contact your school counselor or the CTE office at 412-529-8690. (And see the story beginning on page 18.)

  • CAS The CAS high school program (pghschools.org/cas) is open to high-achieving students who have not been identified as gifted, as well as gifted students. For CAS students who are Black, the African American CAS Council (pghschools.org/Page/5295) provides advocacy and support.

  • Visit ourschoolspittsburgh.org/schoolchoiceguide to learn more about your options for public education in Pittsburgh.

• Many out-of-school time providers that serve teens offer college and career counseling for participants. Call the PLC Family Hotline at 412-256-8536 for assistance with finding programming by age range and region.

• The College Board (CollegeBoard.org), which administers the SAT college entrance exam, offers free online SAT prep.

• Teens can explore their interests at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Visit carnegielibrary.org/kids-teens to find a branch with a teen center near you.

Financial milestones

• The most important financial step you can make in your child’s education is opening a savings account or PA 529 plan to save for your child’s college education. If you apply for it, the Pennsylvania Treasury will give $100 in a savings account to every baby born or adopted in the state to start a PA 529 education fund (pa529.com). You can then take the Fund my Future pledge (fundmyfuturepa.org/pledge) to make a commitment to saving for your child, and be eligible to win monthly prizes. Saving just $25 per month from birth can add up to $10,000 by high school graduation.

• Learn more about the tax advantages of state-offered college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans at collegesavings.org.

• Explore StudentAid.gov/parent for information on saving for college, borrowing for college, applying for financial aid, getting tax benefits to help make college affordable, and more.

• Check out resources provided by the Pittsburgh Promise (pittsburghpromise.org).

Roadblocks

The roadblocks shown on the map are described in more detail below, along with helpful resources.

Not reading proficiently by 3rd grade

Research shows that children who can’t read well by the end of 3rd grade are likely to fall behind in all academic subjects. One long-term study suggests those students are four times less likely to graduate from high school than proficient readers. If your child is not reading on grade level, talk to your child’s teacher. Your child may see a district-provided reading specialist. A+ Schools offers occasional free workshops for parents through Open Literacy—let us know if you want to be informed. Visit projectplusus.org/family-educator-resources for videos about supporting your child’s reading.

Chronic absenteeism

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate on time. Missing 10% or more of school days for any reason—excused or unexcused absences, or suspensions— can translate into difficulty learning to read by the 3rd grade, achieving in middle school, and graduating from high school. School staff, after-school providers, and community agencies can help families access online learning, obtain food or housing, and address other needs. Attendance Works created a Student Attendance Success Plan designed to help parents track their children’s attendance and work with teachers to set appropriate goals.

Suspension

The Pittsburgh District has been moving toward “restorative practices” as an alternative to suspension. Even so, 2,331 PPS students were suspended in the 2019- 20 school year. Studies have shown that students who are suspended for any reason are more likely to experience a range of negative outcomes. Suspensions also may limit your child’s opportunities to attend a magnet school, or to receive a Pittsburgh Promise college scholarship.

If your child was suspended, A+ Schools staff can help coach you through a conversation with the school about providing supports your child might need to meet behavior expectations. If you believe your child was suspended because of their identity, you can contact us, the Education Law Center, or Gwen’s Girls.

Failing to take higher-level courses in high school

Research shows that the academic rigor of classes students take in high school is the most powerful predictor of college enrollment, persistence, and success. Your child should be able to meet with a school guidance counselor each year. Before senior year, ask if your child is on track to earn enough credits to graduate. At Pittsburgh Carrick High School, Pittsburgh Perry High School, and Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12, Pittsburgh Promise coaches are available. Contact us if you’re not sure your child is taking the courses they need to apply for college or to be prepared for a career.