In recent times, we have covered a grade-rigging scandal in Baltimore, Maryland that is worth paying attention to. Baltimore City Schools could be on the verge of gaining national attention, as the prime example of America’s broken education system.

Project Baltimore, an investigative reporting initiative, by Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc, the largest U.S. broadcaster, has led the charge via lead investigator Chris Papst in uncovering evidence, which suggests Baltimore City school officials are running a grade manipulation scheme in the public school system.

In a report from August, Chris Papst’s team uncovered documents suggesting one school in Baltimore has the highest graduation rate in the area with zero students proficient in math. Throughout 2017, Project Baltimore has made the case with evidence—- grade manipulation is widespread.

Evolution of Project Baltimore’s evidence:

Back in May, Chris Papst’s team found “6 Baltimore schools, no students proficient in state tests”

Project Baltimore uncovers serious grade changing allegations at Baltimore City H.S

Baltimore City Schools panic—> launches internal investigation on grade-rigging

How can a high school with zero students proficient in math have the highest graduation rate?

Balt. City Teacher tells Project Baltimore: “We have graduated kids who can’t read the diploma”

Balt. City Teacher tells #ProjectBaltimore: “We have graduated kids who can’t read the diploma." @FOXBaltimore https://t.co/64C7wR8q8z — Chris Papst (@chrispapst) August 31, 2017

Investigation into grade manipulation expands in city schools

Balt. School Administrator tells Project Baltimore 70% of City Schools change grades.

Baltimore City Schools #1 in America in Admin. costs says Project Baltimore

Project Baltimore: Text Message Instructs City Teachers to Change Grades

PROJECT BALTIMORE:Text Message Instructs City Teachers to Change Grades https://t.co/pvSWlnTtG6 — FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) October 19, 2017

Now the Governor of Maryland responds to the grade manipulation scandal in Baltimore

As Project Baltimore’s evidence builds, City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises finally responds on allegations of grade rigging...

Per Project Baltimore,

In the memo, Dr. Santelises says grade changing does a “deep disservice to our students.” She then outlined corrective steps the District has taken. In addition to launching internal investigations into two city schools, the central grading system is being analyzed, school leaders were issued grading guidelines and mandatory training has been ordered for those who input grades. Santelises concludes by calling our investigations “disheartening”. She ends on a positive note saying, “I know that every day there are countless positive stories of learning, leadership, and professionalism unfolding in our schools.”

Full Memo: