Drew Perkins talks with investigative reporter Chris Papst about his book, Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Public Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future . Papst, a reporter for Project Baltimore, shares his deep-dive into why one of the most funded school systems in America remains one of the lowest performing . From systemic grade manipulation to the misuse of school funds, this conversation explores the "end stages" of a failing public education system and serves as a critical warning for the rest of the country .
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Papst details the findings of his multi-year investigation, which uncovered "the 50% rule"—a policy preventing students from receiving grades below 50%, regardless of attendance or performance—and instances where principals directly ordered teachers to change failing grades to passing. He argues that the focus has shifted from educating children to acquiring funding and growing the power of the school system.
The discussion also touches on the role of teachers' unions, the transition of teaching from a "profession to a job," and the emergence of "diploma mills" that exploit old state laws. Despite the systemic issues, Papst highlights "shining examples" like Cecil Elementary, where leadership has achieved high proficiency rates despite facing the same challenges as neighboring schools.
Finally, the conversation looks at the national implications of these findings and the critical need for accountability in public education. Papst emphasizes that while the situation is dire, it is correctable through transparency and a refocus on student learning rather than adult-centered bureaucracy.
Timestamped Episode Timeline
- [00:05:37] Introducing Chris Papst – Investigative reporter for Project Baltimore and author of Failure Factory.
- [00:07:34] The "Failure Factory" Premise – Why Baltimore City Schools are highly funded but chronically low-performing.
- [00:10:37] Systemic Grade Inflation – Examining policies that allow students to graduate without basic literacy or attendance.
- [00:14:17] The 50% Rule – How automatic minimum grades mask educational failure and drive "social promotion."
- [00:18:44] Grade Changing as Fraud – A look at internal investigations where principals ordered mass grade changes.
- [00:23:03] Obstruction and Legal Battles – The story of suing the school system for public records and the judge's "willful violation" ruling.
- [00:28:27] Misuse of Public Funds – $30,000 on basketball tickets and other examples of administrative financial abuse.
- [00:31:55] Unions and the Professional Shift – Dr. Alvin Hathaway's perspective on when teaching became an "assembly-line job."
- [00:37:07] Examples of Success – Profiling Cecil Elementary and why successful models are rarely replicated.
- [00:40:32] Diploma Mills & State Standards – How "church-exempt" schools and lowered graduation requirements are devaluing diplomas.
- [00:46:54] Federal Grant Mismanagement – The case of Northwood Community Academy and the lack of federal oversight.
- [00:51:24] National Reaction – How the reporting went viral and reached the highest levels of government.
- [00:54:38] Closing Remarks – Where to find the book and how to get involved in local school accountability.
Have some feedback you'd like to share? You can email me at drew@thoughtstretchers.org.
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