Baltimore school officials say the investigation of grade changing at a district middle school may lead to a revamping in how grades are handled. The investigation was prompted by allegations of dozens of students’ grades at Booker T. Washington Middle School being changed from failing to passing, allowing them to be promoted to the next grade.
Sonja Santelises, Baltimore schools chief academic officer, says the investigation is not limited to that one school. She says changes may be in store for the district’s grading policy, including who has access to grades. "We’re looking at everything right now," she said. "I don't want to pick off one particular element of the grade policy. I think it’s more responsible for us to complete our investigation and then come forth with a series recommendations to schools, some of which we’re doing as we speak."
She says the important thing is to ensure the integrity of the grades students receive and that school officials are clear on the district’s grading policy.