Episode 886: Chris Papst on "Failure Factory”

Newt's World

Gingrich 360

News, Politics

4.7 • 6.3K Ratings

🗓️ 3 September 2025

⏱️ 36 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Newt talks with Fox45 Baltimore investigative reporter Chris Papst about the alarming shift in public education priorities, as highlighted in his new book, "Failure Factory." Their conversation focuses on how academic outcomes are being manipulated in Baltimore City Public Schools, where students are promoted without receiving an adequate education. Papst reveals that failing grades are often changed to passing, and dangerous school environments are downplayed to maintain funding. Despite significant financial investment, student performance remains poor, with only 10% of students proficient in math. Papst argues that the system prioritizes employing adults over educating students, leading to dire consequences for local communities. They also discuss the lack of accountability from public officials and the challenges faced by parents in holding the school system accountable. Papst highlights the need for systemic change in urban school systems across the country.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This is an IHeart podcast.
0:08.7	On this episode of Neut's World, a significant realignment has recently occurred in public
0:14.6	education.
0:15.8	The focus has shifted to value data and funding over students and futures.
0:20.9	In his new book, Failure Factory, Chris Papps highlights this transition by exposing no academic
0:27.8	outcomes are manipulated while students are promoted through the grade levels without
0:32.7	receiving the education they need.
0:35.3	When students fail classes, their grades are often changed to passing.
0:39.2	If schools appear dangerous, arrests and suspensions are no longer recorded.
0:44.0	If graduation rates decline, academic metrics are adjusted, making it easier to receive a diploma.
0:51.0	What's happening in Baltimore schools is not unique.
0:55.3	It is ubiquitous.
1:02.3	The new educational mindset, which prioritizes data over students and funding over futures,
1:08.0	is quickly spreading across the country with equally dire consequences for local communities.
1:12.8	Here to discuss his new book, I'm really pleased to welcome my guest, one of the real champions and a man who has methodically worked in a focused way
1:18.3	for years. Chris Pabst is Sinclair's Fox 45 Project Baltimore Lead Investigated Reporter.
1:26.1	He is a national Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter
1:28.9	in the 2003 Maryland State Conference NAACP Vanguard Award recipient.
1:39.8	Music Chris, welcome and thank you for joining me again on Newtsworld.
1:54.1	Mr. Speaker, thank you. I appreciate you having me on and supporting this book and this work.
1:58.6	I think what you're doing is amazing.
2:05.8	Tell us a little bit about Project Baltimore, which has become, I think, one of the most impactful local reporting initiatives in the entire country.
	...

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