Nina M. Sacco

Pittsburgh Public Schools has launched an Educator Registered Apprenticeship Program (ERAP) to strategically address critical staffing shortages, particularly in Special Education (SPED) and English Language Development (ELD). The program aims to expand access to the teaching profession by providing a structured, mentor-supported pathway for paraprofessionals to earn teacher certifications while remaining employed in district classrooms. Key objectives include building a sustainable educator pipeline, strengthening engagement with existing career pathways such as the Emerging Educators program, and advancing educator diversity to better reflect the student population.

This document outlines a multi-year Human Resources implementation plan for a "Future Ready" initiative. Year 0 focuses on preparation, awareness, and establishing processes for employee transfers and external hiring. Years 1-3 concentrate on full implementation, including workforce data analysis, targeted recruitment for specialized teaching positions, enhancing hiring manager training for equity and diversity, strengthening recruitment partnerships, and developing "Grow-Our-Own" talent initiatives such as Emerging Educators and Apprenticeship Programs.

This document is a goal monitoring conversation focusing on improving 3rd-grade mathematics proficiency. It outlines three key strategies for the 2025-2026 school year: Sustaining and Deepening Curriculum-Based Professional Learning, Strengthening Family Partnerships for Math Support, and Implementing High-Leverage, Equitable Assessment Practices. The plan aims to increase student proficiency on state assessments from a 21.2% baseline in 2020-2021 to 36.4% by the end of the 2025-2026 school year, with a long-term goal of 39.4% by 2027, while addressing disparities in outcomes across various student subgroups.

This document outlines the expectations and requirements for a 'Future Ready Facilities' implementation plan. Key areas addressed include new attendance zone mapping, comprehensive transportation analysis and costing, development of a phased multi-year implementation timeline for school closures and program integration, and ensuring continuity and expansion of community schools programming. It also details expectations for staff support, transition planning, multi-year financial projections, and grade band reconfigurations with a focus on equitable access to academic programs. Significant emphasis is placed on robust community engagement and communication strategies, along with ensuring facilities readiness and legal compliance for special education and English Language Learner populations.

This strategic plan update outlines a commitment to improving student outcomes and experiences through excellence, equity, and efficiency. The plan focuses on achieving equitable outcomes for all students by preparing them for life, eliminating disparities in African American student outcomes, ensuring equitable learning environments, promoting student safety and health, leveraging community resources, and fostering student engagement. This will be accomplished through four strategic themes: improving the quality and relevance of academic experiences, creating safe, engaging, and inclusive school environments, prioritizing community outreach and access, and transforming the district's facility footprint.