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Thursday, November 19, 2015

KCRA investigates: Is state teacher database accurate?

KCRA investigates: Is state teacher database accurate? | KCRA 3 Investigates - KCRA Home:

KCRA investigates: Is state teacher database accurate?

KCRA finds some teachers don't appear on website

Teacher's desk


SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) —It looks simple: A big button sits at the top of the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing website that says “Search for an Educator.”

After a few more steps, the user can look up information on any credentialed teacher in California. But, is the information accurate? 
KCRA 3 Investigates put the names of every teacher in the Sacramento City Unified School District into that state database to see if there were teachers who had disciplinary records.
However, dozens of teachers didn't show up in the database.
The six-page list of missing teachers was sent to Gabe Ross, communications director for the Sacramento City Unified School District. 
“We started with our employee system, which may have more updated information,” Ross said. 
It turns out, the teachers KCRA 3 couldn’t find on the list are licensed. 
“Every person that you sent us either has an active credential, or in some cases they are not necessarily a teacher or don't need a teaching credential," Ross said.
The district used the teachers’ personnel files to verify the credentials. 
“Social security number, employee number, etc.,” Ross said. “Because we know that people might get married, change their name or use a nickname or might have put a typo in how they identified themselves.” 
The credentialing commission said it is confident in the accuracy of the database but acknowledges some names may be difficult to find.
The credentialing commission sent KCRA an email that said it is the teacher’s responsibility to KCRA investigates: Is state teacher database accurate? | KCRA 3 Investigates - KCRA Home: