More than 10 schools in Baltimore, Maryland, failed to produce a single student who was proficient in math.
Out of 32 high schools that took the Maryland state math exam earlier this year, 13 Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), or roughly 40%, had no students who were proficient in the subject, according to Fox45 Project Baltimore.
“We acknowledge that some of our high school students continue to experience challenges in math following the pandemic, especially if they were struggling beforehand,” BCPS said in a statement.
The latest round of state test results is raising alarm in Baltimore City Schools. Project Baltimore found that 40% of Baltimore City high schools, where the state exam was given, did not have any students score proficient in math. Not one student.https://t.co/g9WJERdikI
— FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) September 20, 2023
Some of the schools that failed to produce a student proficient in math are Coppin Academy, Edmonson-Westside High, and Frederick Douglass High.
Out of the 13 schools, 1,736 students took part in the test. Of this number, 1,295 students scored a one out of four, with one being the lowest level and signifying not being proficient.
“It’s not a funding issue,” said Jason Rodriguez, the deputy director of the non-profit People Empowered by the Struggle. “We’re getting plenty of funding. I don’t think money is the issue. I think accountability is the issue.”
BCPS has received millions of dollars in grant money from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, offers summer learning programs, and even launched a tutoring program.
A $1.7 billion budget was approved for BCPS by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners for the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, BCPS received $25 million for high-dosage tutoring, along with an additional $1.5 million for tutoring to go towards focusing on math.
BCPS also received $45 million in extended learning programs, $6.8 million to upgrade the health room at schools, along with many others.
“There is no excuse,” Rodriguez added. “We have a system that’s just running rogue, and it starts at the top.”