More than half of the students in the Pittsburgh Public School District scored at or below the… More than half of the students in the Pittsburgh Public School District scored at or below the basic level on their Pennsylvania System School of Assessment tests, according to the Web site for the mayor’s commission on public education.

In an attempt to solve the problems of the area’s failing school districts, Pitt created a new center for urban education. The center’s focus will be on working with local schools to develop effective educational programs.

The center, which is based in Pitt’s School of Education and was introduced, will give its students real world experience in an urban environment.

One of the pilot projects of the center is the creation of a partnership with the Wilkinsburg School District. Working with the school board, and administrators and teachers in the district, the center will develop effective programs and educational information structures.

Another project of the new center involves a professional development program at Phillips Elementary School. Phillips will provide a helpful resource for Pitt students to gain practical experience in dealing with urban issues.

In the future, undergraduate students will have the opportunity to mentor or tutor at Phillips.

Barbara Rudiak, Phillips’ principal, was recognized as Pennsylvania’s National Distinguished Principal for 2003. Proponents of the center, including School of Education Dean Alan Lesgold, hope that Pitt will also be able to learn from the experience of teachers and administrators such as Rudiak.

“Because of the creation of this center, we can all be more hopeful for the future of this region,” Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said at the introduction of the center.