How were each district school’s “strengths” and “challenges” determined?

We compared each school to district averages at the same level (elementary schools to elementary averages, and so on). For elementary schools, there were 14 points of comparison; for K-8s, 24; for middle schools, 12; and for high schools, 24.

A school’s performance statistically above the district average in one category was labeled a strength, while its performance statistically below the district average in another category was labeled a challenge. In a school where performance was above the district average for nearly all categories, performance only at the average in a single category was considered a challenge. Likewise, average performance by a school that was below average in most categories was considered a strength. Not every strength and every challenge was included on the school pages. See the charts for a comprehensive list. For charts by school level, go to the bottom of this page.

Strengths/challenges statements are intended to be interpreted within the context of each school. The same statement may be listed as a strength for one school and a challenge for another. Although this component of the report is based on district averages, readers should not conclude that we are endorsing average achievement. In the district’s high schools, for example, “average” is below any acceptable standard.

How to interpret comparisons that group students by race or family income

PSSA test results were compared in these ways:

• All students in a school, or a grade within a school, compared to district averages for all students at that level or grade (all middle school students, or all high school seniors…)
• Black students in a school or grade compared to district averages for black students at that level or grade
• White students in a school or grade compared to district averages for white students at that level or grade
• Low-income students (eligible for free/reduced price lunch) in a school or grade compared to district averages for low-income students at that level or grade

When reading the school reports, keep in mind that these comparison groups hold even when the school’s population is all one race, or all low-income. For example, a statement such as “High PSSA 5th grade reading scores for low-income students” in a school with 100% low-income students is still a comparison of those students to district averages for low-income fifth graders, not to all fifth graders. Similarly, on the charts with more complete information, symbols that show a school’s performance for a subgroup of students (by race or family income status) are comparisons of that school’s subgroup to the same subgroup of students district-wide.

Strengths and challenges charts by school level

• All elementary schools
• All K-8 schools (K-8s that are new in 2006-07 are in the elementary section)
• All middle schools
• All high schools
  
  

A+ Schools
Pittsburgh's Community Alliance for Public Education
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