National exam results show struggle to bring Pa. student learning back on track after pandemic

WESA 1/29 6:40A Collin Binkley | Associated Pres

The Pennsylvania fourth graders tested — kindergartners at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic — scored lower in both reading and math than fourth graders tested in 2019.

Western Pennsylvania students participate in annual Regional Braille Challenge

WESA 1/28 10:31P Katie Blackley

Local blind and visually impaired students gathered Tuesday at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children in Oakland to test their skills at the annual Regional Braille Challenge.

Candidates for 5 PPS board spots will face the weight — and legacy — of looming school closures

WESA 1/26 10:32P Jillian Forstadt

Of the five seats up for election this year, three board members — Sala Udin, Sylvia Wilson and Jamie Piotrowski — told WESA they have opted not to run again.

The Shapiro admin will consider whether an ‘AI-driven’ cyber charter school can operate in Pa.

WESA 1/25 12:00A Katie Meyer | Spotlight PA

The fact that Unbound Academy has a viable path toward approval shows that Pennsylvania needs to radically rethink its charter school law, critics say.

Penn State leaders don't rule out campus closures

WESA 1/23 10:30P Anne Danahy

Penn State leaders don't rule out the possibility of campus closures when asked about it during a Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday.

Pittsburgh area school district extends access to arts education by 3D-printing violins

WESA 1/22 10:31P Gabriela Herring

In the California Area School District, educators are tapping into STEM skills to gain better access to art with new, 3D-printed violins.

U.S. Department of Education honors Butler-area school police officer with RISE award

WESA 1/20 10:31P Jillian Forstadt

The U.S. Department of Education has named a Pittsburgh-area school police officer as the winner of this year’s Recognizing Inspiring School Employees award.

Proposal to reopen Northview Heights Elementary on the North Side brings some residents hope

WESA 1/15 10:33P Jillian Forstadt

Northview Heights Elementary, which closed during the district’s last round of consolidations in 2012, once served students in grades PreK to 8.

Pittsburgh Public Schools improvement efforts zoom in on third-grade math scores, racial...

WESA 1/14 10:30P Jillian Forstadt

Math scores in 2024 showed that 39.6% of third graders scored proficient or above. Still, gaps between Black and white students have continued to widen.

Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition calls for $100M to boost student reading in state budget

WESA 1/9 10:32P Jillian Forstadt

The Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition, launched this month, is working across sectors to bring awareness to what they’re calling a “literacy crisis” among Pennsylvania students.

Pittsburgh Public Schools board to consider reinstating hybrid public hearing format

WESA 1/6 10:30P Jillian Forstadt

After months of ire from families and stakeholders, Pittsburgh Public Schools will consider cementing a hybrid public hearing format into its policies.

Penn expecting $467M windfall from COVID-19 vaccine royalty dispute

WESA 1/5 10:30P Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza | WHYY

At issue was how much the manufacturer could carve out to third parties before paying the university its stake of the profits in the form of royalties.

Pa. schools can apply for state aid to install solar energy, save money

WESA 1/1 10:30P Rachel McDevitt | StateImpact Pe

The Solar for Schools grant program, funded by $25 million in state money, will cover up to half the project cost of installing solar for grant winners.

At Pittsburgh King PreK-8, staff give students extra support as holidays approach

WESA 12/19 10:33P Susan Scott Peterson

Two months into the school year, students learn clarinet, parade in costume and write in journals. Staff cope with long days and prepare for student stress as the holidays approach.

Loss to Louisville costs Pitt women's volleyball team its shot at title match in NCAA Final Four

WESA 12/19 10:32P Greg Echlin | For 90.5 WESA

While the Cardinals (30-5) will play in the title match for the second time in the past three years, the Panthers (33-2) have been sent home after four straight seasons in the national semis.