Tennessee is among 13 states that scored an F for its system of performing background checks on teachers and sharing misconduct information when compared with best national practice by USA TODAY.
For Tennessee, the reliance on school districts to run effective background checks, incomplete online documentation and gaps in the sharing of misconduct information with other states all drove the low ranking.
Here’s how Tennessee scored 59 out of a possible 100.
Background checks: Weak screening, left to local districts
Transparency: Some incomplete information online about teacher disciplinary actions
Mandatory reporting laws: Strong mandatory reporting of teacher misconduct
Sharing misconduct information: Many teachers’ misconduct not shared with other states
The Tennessean’s review of teacher background checks and licensing in the state has found evidence that supports USA TODAY reporting of significant problems with the system across the country.
The states that were ranked the highest by USA TODAY with an A grade were (continue reading at Tennessean)