Students in Pittsburgh will be transitioning to remote learning while the NFL Draft takes place in April. Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) announced the change, informing staff and students that there will be “asynchronous teaching and learning” from April 22 to 24. This decision comes as the city anticipates a large influx of visitors for the Draft.
Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters expressed that their primary goal is to ensure the learning process remains smooth despite the extraordinary situation the city will face. He emphasized that switching to asynchronous learning will help the students stay engaged academically while allowing families to manage potential logistical difficulties.
PPS will also reschedule the Pennsylvania School Assessment Test, originally set to coincide with the Draft. These exams will now be held from April 20 to 21 and again from April 28 to May 4, with make-up tests from May 4 to May 8.
Ebony R. Pugh, the Public Affairs Director for PPS, confirmed the move in a statement, noting a mixed response from parents. While some families understand the need for remote learning, others have expressed inconvenience over the situation.
As for the Draft itself, it’s scheduled to run from April 23 to April 25, with Pittsburgh expecting around 700,000 out-of-town attendees. Although lessons will be conducted remotely, PPS believes that this could still create challenges.
The transition to asynchronous learning aims to address transportation issues and minimize disruption, allowing students to continue their education effectively, according to PPS.
In the past, PPS has faced controversy regarding educational choices, having made decisions that some found contentious. In 2023, for instance, the board opted to hire consultants to guide teachers on how to replace certain instructional practices in math that were seen as culturally problematic.
Moreover, a report indicated that PPS had ongoing issues with student attendance, revealing that over 6,000 students—about 34% of the total enrollment—missed more than 10% of their school days.
