Baltimore City Schools Address Grading Changes Amid Controversy

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Public Schools system is responding to allegations stemming from an Inspector General report that indicated over 12,500 grades were altered from failing to passing between 2016 and 2019.

In a recent interview, Andre Riley, the Director of Communications for Baltimore City Public Schools, emphasized that the report's findings have been misinterpreted. He explained that the grade changes occurred during a transitional period when the district was adjusting its grading policies.

“People see the big headline,” Riley noted, referring to the number of grade changes. “They see 12,000 and think that’s today. No, that was in a period before we adjusted our grading policy.”

The Inspector General's report examined nearly 130 schools within the city, focusing on grades 6 through 12. It revealed concerns that some staff members felt pressured by higher administration to modify grades. In light of these findings, Governor Hogan has referred the report to both the Maryland state prosecutor and the U.S. Attorney for potential criminal investigation.

Riley defended the practices of the school system, stating that each grade change was considered on a case-by-case basis, aligning with the policy that allowed teachers to assess students' overall performance and effort. He reiterated that there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing or financial impropriety in the report.

In March 2019, the school district implemented a policy change regarding grading and the authority of teachers in making final grade decisions. Riley explained that many of the grade changes involved students who were close to passing and were given opportunities to complete make-up work.

Amid the ongoing scrutiny, Maryland House Republicans have called for the resignation of City Schools Superintendent Sonja Santelises and suggested that the State Board of Education take control of the Baltimore City Public Schools system. They cited a history of issues within the district, including poor student performance and inadequate support for teachers.

Looking ahead, Baltimore City Public Schools plans to review grading procedures from the 2022 to 2023 school years to enhance transparency and accountability within the system.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News (source).