Failure Factory

<p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(56 52 15 1)>Baltimore City Public Schools is one of America's largest and most funded school systems. Yet historically it is among the lowest performing. In 2024 despite a $1.7 billion budget just 10% of students tested proficient in math. Investigative journalist Chris Papst follows the money to uncover why students continue to fail within a school system that's failing Baltimore. </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(56 52 15 1)>Failure Factory shines a critical light on America's public education system by exposing what's really happening inside classrooms and behind administrative doors. Reporting for Fox45 News in Baltimore Papst spent eight years investigating public schools. What he learned is shocking. </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(56 52 15 1)>A significant realignment has recently occurred in public education. The focus has shifted to value data and funding over students and futures. Failure Factory highlights this transition by exposing how academic outcomes are manipulated while students are promoted through the grade levels without receiving the education they need. When students fail classes their grades are often changed to passing. If schools appear dangerous arrests and suspensions are no longer recorded. If graduation rates decline academic metrics are adjusted - making it easier to receive a diploma. </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(56 52 15 1)>For many a career in education remains a noble calling. But a growing number of educators now view public schools as a means to acquire wealth. As Baltimore's student enrollment has plummeted budgets have surged. Taxpayers are funding staggering increases in six-figure salary jobs as declining student outcomes cripple entire neighborhoods. </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(56 52 15 1)>What's happening in Baltimore schools is not unique; it's ubiquitous. That new educational mindset which prioritizes data over students and funding over futures is quickly spreading across the country with equally dire consequences for local communities. Is your school system next? This book is your warning. </span></p>