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Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is renewing a literacy push after only 44% of third graders were found to be proficient in reading at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

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PPS blamed the falling reading scores on state exams on “inconsistent implementation,” and district leaders said they will focus on aligning practices with the science of reading – the body of research that emphasizes systemic phonics instruction.

Testing found that only 44% of third graders were proficient in reading at the end of the most recent school year, down from 46% the previous year.

During a recent presentation of the district’s Pennsylvania System of School Assessment results, PPS superintendent Wayne Walters said that teachers need more time for dedicated training on reading instruction.

Reading Scores

Reading scores have fallen for the past few years. Research shows that students who aren’t reading proficiently by the third grade are more likely to remain behind. Statewide, about 48.6% of third graders were considered proficient or advanced in reading.

Third-grade reading score proficiency by school ranged from 16% to 60%, while advanced reading scores ranged from 0% to 36%. At several PPS schools, as much as 46% of students read at basic or below basic levels. 

Last year, PPS said it would place literacy coaches in district elementary schools, identifying and sharing best practices across locations, and differentiating instruction to address inequities. However, Walters said the district doesn’t have a coach for each school – therefore, some must split their time between schools.

PPS assistant superintendent Shawn McNeil said some principals weren’t giving sufficient time to classroom observations and teacher planning time was often stretched thin. Additionally, he said educators weren’t reviewing data often enough or in a structured way.

To ensure that district practices align with the science of reading, PPS plans in January to launch a training course that all K-3 teachers and principals must complete. It will also publish a science of reading playbook with tools that would support teachers and principals with practical guidance.

To learn more, read 90.5 WESA’s story.