Pittsburgh schools are working to close the achievement gap. Since 2007, African American proficiency in grades 6-8 has increased 62% in mathematics and 22.1% in reading.

In October 2009, the Pittsburgh Public Schools entered into a new five-year employment contract with the superintendent that maintains the same compensation, with pay increases only allowed when schools and students show improvement.

Over the past four years, key elements have been put in place to improve student achievement, including a rigorous new pre K-12 curriculum; a nationally recognized program to recruit, train, support, and compensate principals as instructional leaders; instructional coaches in every school to deepen the work; and expanded early-childhood offerings so a child’s school experience gets off to a better start when he or she transitions.

In November 2009, the Board of Education voted to accept a $40 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support implementation of work detailed in the district’s Empowering Effective Teachers in Pittsburgh Public Schools. This plan will empower teachers as effective leaders to do “whatever it takes to foster a culture of striving, resilience and college-readiness." By doing this, Pittsburgh Public Schools hopes that more than 80% of all students will be ready to complete a college degree or workforce certification.

Be a part of the local movement by getting involved with your local Waiting for “Superman” campaign.