* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Stokes
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - “Passing Through” Baltimore City Public School Students
For the purpose of urging the Baltimore City Public School System’s CEO to explain to the City Council why students are being promoted or “passed through” to higher grade levels when the students are academically unprepared to move beyond their current grade level.
body
Recitals
Whereas, At Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts, a student passed only 3 classes in 4 years but is almost in the top half of his class;
Whereas, Even though the student failed the majority of his classes every year and, in his first three years at the school, was late or absent for 272 days, the student was repeatedly promoted to the next grade level, and was on track to graduate this June;
Whereas, Nearly half of the seniors at Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts have a GPA that is lower than .13;
Whereas, Augusta Fells is failing students by merely promoting them to the next grade level rather than ensuring that the students are academically prepared for more advanced work;
Whereas, Promotion or the “passing through” of students who are not prepared for the next grade level is likely a problem in other Baltimore City Public Schools as well;.
Whereas, The CEO of the Baltimore City Public School System must explain why Baltimore City Public Schools have promoted students regardless of whether they are academically prepared for the next grade level; and how she will prevent this from reoccurring.
Whereas, The CEO of the Baltimore City Public School System must explain how she the Baltimore City Public School System will solve this problem and fulfill their function of academically preparing Baltimore City children to lead successful and productive lives.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council urges the Baltimore City Public School System’s CEO to explain to the City Council why students are being promoted or “passed through” to higher grade levels when the students are academically unprepared to move beyond their current grade level.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the CEO of the Baltimore City Public School System, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.