On today’s episode of The Confluence:
A+ Schools report highlights issues of equity in schools
(0:00 - 6:44)
This week, the education advocacy group A+ Schools released its annual report assessing the progress of Pittsburgh Public Schools, including so-called “bright spots” where schools are doing well.
This year’s A+ Schools’ Report to the Community on Public School Progress in Pittsburgh looked specifically at areas of equity across schools.
One effort to remedy inequity has been A+ Schools’ Pittsburgh Learning Partnership Collaborative, which launched during the pandemic.
“There are dollars from the American Rescue Plan that have been put to our afterschool and out-of-school-time programs to help extend learning time,” says James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools. “I think part of what we're trying to do is help that and navigate that collaboration [with schools], because it's not always easy, the coordination doesn't doesn't happen overnight.”
Fogarty says issues like chronic absenteeism existed before the pandemic, and he would like to see schools address it through a community-based approach, taking into account other concerns for students like food, health and housing.
How diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging fit into philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University of Pittsburgh
(6:53 - 13:23)
A new office focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in The University of Pittsburgh Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, hired it’s first director Dan’Talisha Deans.
“Philanthropy is all about building trust, building relationships,” says Deans. “When you are doing that, there's not a ‘one size fits all’. You are working with a whole bunch of individuals that come from diverse backgrounds.”
Deans says she’s beginning her role on a listening tour to understand what’s already happening in the DEIB space, and where improvements can be made.
The state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program turns 30
(13:30 - 18:30)
This month marks the 30th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) program. It served as a model for the national CHIP program, which has insured millions of kids.
90.5 WESA’s Kate Giammarise dives into the program’s history and western Pennsylvania roots.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in Monday to Thursday at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.
