Baltimore Schools are still feeling the effects of reform. Five years ago in 2002, massive funding went to the Baltimore Schools, which are one of the most under funded school systems in the state. This particular plan was for improvement concerning six basic standards including academic achievement and curriculum upgrading. The fact that Baltimore Schools continue to strive for excellence is heartening and shows that the spirit of educators is not daunted by low performance results. They persevere in the face of disorganization and desire to achieve top marks in school rankings.
Many debate the effectiveness of standardized testing in Baltimore Schools. These general tests are designed to evaluate the progress of each school. While the intention is to ensure that all Baltimore Schools are on the same page, the results have not always been positive. For instance, teachers spend most of the year teaching the test to students. The type of question and appropriate response are drilled into the minds of test takers. Baltimore Schools are frantically trying to maintain a standard that will allow them to continue teaching and project good academic standing. The pressure placed...