The Florida Center for Investigative Reporting and StateImpact Florida have learned the state of Florida is investigating the nation’s largest online educator.
Florida’s Department of Education has launched an investigation of K12, over allegations it is using uncertified teachers and asking employees to cover it up.
K12 officials asked certified teachers to sign class rosters which included students they hadn’t taught, according to documents that are part of the investigation.
In one case, a certified teacher was asked to sign a class roster of more than 100 students. She only recognized seven names on that list.
“I cannot sign of on students who are not my actual students,” wrote K12 teacher Amy Capelle to her supervisor. “It is not ethical to submit records to the district that are inaccurate.”
The documents suggest K12 may be using uncertified teachers in violation of state law.
In 2009, K12 asked Seminole County Public Schools if it could use uncertified teachers in some of its online classes. That uncertified teacher would be overseen by a so-called “teacher of record” – a certified teacher.
Seminole County Public Schools consulted with the Florida Department of Education and then denied the request, citing state law requiring certified teachers.
The Department of Education Inspector General’s Office is now looking into whether K12 violated state law by using teachers of record, even after education officials warned the company it can’t.
State investigators confirmed the probe to FCIR/StateImpact Florida, but declined to discuss it.
K12 officials would not agree to an interview. In a statement, spokesman Jeff Kwitowski said the company is working closely with investigators.
“We do not believe the allegations against K12 regarding teacher certification are accurate,” he wrote.“K12’s policy is to follow teacher certification requirements. K12 teachers assigned to teach students in Florida are state certified.”
“Because K12 is continuing to work with state officials on this matter, further comment would be inappropriate,” wrote Kwitowski.