Indiana educators and parents have expressed disappointment in the results of USA Today’s nationwide survey that found the Hoosier state lagging behind other states in teacher background checks.
The survey examined the process potential educators go through while applying for jobs in each state, specifically how thoroughly a state checks an applicant’s background before issuing a teaching license, whether the state is transparent about sanctioned teachers and whether the state requires schools to report misconduct.
Indiana was among 12 states that received an “F” grade in the survey, which called the state’s background checks “weak.” In Indiana, the duty to perform background checks on potential educators is left to the local school district.
Brownsburg Community School Corporation administrator Jodi Gordon said her district conducts a complete expanded criminal history that includes local, state, national and federal court records along with a sex offender registry check for every potential new hire.
“We also do reference checks and previous employment checks on candidates we are intending to hire. However, in doing this, if information is not shared through the process, we are unaware of any misconduct,” Gordon said.
The survey also said Indiana’s mandatory reporting laws for teacher misconduct are weak, there is very little information online about teacher disciplinary actions, and many school districts have failed to share information about teachers’ misconduct.
Indianapolis mother Brenda Goodman said she believes the survey results are a call for change.
“Regardless of the reason for the low scoring on the survey, it is disturbing to see that Indiana was given an ‘F,’” said Goodman.
The Indianapolis Recorder contacted the Indiana Department of Education for comment but did not receive a response.
