Education, Employment, and the Economy

The Pittsburgh region's economy and demography have changed radically over the past several decades, with resulting changes in the demands placed on the work-related educational system. This study describes and analyzes these changes, drawing on interviews with leaders of education, training, employment, and community organizations; analyses of employment and demographic trends affecting the demands for work-related skills; and interviews with employers about hiring and training practices. It suggests several key actions that may improve the functioning of both the work-related education system and the education system in general, including developing regional leadership, promoting collective assessment of needs in K-12 schools, improving and publicizing indicators of student and system performance, creating or strengthening mechanisms to counter fragmentation of K-12 schools, improving linkages among elements of the system, and altering governance or funding structures.