May 2010 Board Watch Report Card

The Pittsburgh Public School Board earned another B- for their governance for the months of February, March and April. Some Things to Note in this Report Card: Scores for Focus and Mission moved up slightly from a C to a C+ Scores for Competency moved down slightly from a B- to a C+ During this report period, the scores varied from an A range in some areas to a D range in others. Scores overall have changed minimally from the first report card in March of 2009. Minimum Score Grade 05.0 A+ -->4.67 A --> 4.33 A- --> 4.00 B+ -->3.67 B --> 3.33 B- --> 3.00 C+ --> 2.67 C --> 2.33 C- --> 2.00 D+ --> 1.67 D --> 1.33 D- --> 1.0 F What is the Grading Scale? Scores are calculated on a scale with a 1.0 being the lowest possible score (an F) and a 5.0 being the highest. (an A+). The grading scale listed to the left shows the minimum score required to earn each letter grade. So, for example, the lowest score the Board could earn and still get a B- would be a 3.33.

Here is a breakdown of the scores for each report card:

What Changes Has the Board Made as a Result of Board Watch?

With each report card, A+ Schools has made recommendations for ways that the School Board could better function. Larger improvements in scores will require deeper, more structural changes to be made. In August of 2010, the Board will implement its commitment to conduct the Agenda Review meeting BEFORE the Public Hearing. We believe this change will give the public more opportunities to speak on relevant issues to the Board, as it will allow the Board more time to gather information and make informed decisions. Both of these have the potential for impacting the Board’s scores for Competency.

Below is a list of all of the recommendations that A+ has made to date with an indicator to show when the Board has responded, if at all. As shown, much work is to be done in the area of creating a deliberate time and process for tracking and addressing new and existing policy issues. We advocate for this to be the next change the Board makes to advance the governance of Pittsburgh Public Schools.

What You Can Do

Volunteer for Board Watch
Contact your School Board Member
Testify at a Public Hearing
Attend or Watch a School Board Meeting

For More Information

May 2011 Report Card
February 2011 Report Card
November 2010 Report Card
August 2010 Report Card
May 2010 Report Card
February 2010 Report Card
November 2009 Report Card
June 2009 Report Card
March 2009 Report Card

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