A panel of Indiana lawmakers has endorsed recommendations to strengthen the state’s background checks system for educators and streamline the process for revoking a teacher’s license. The proposal would require school employees to undergo background checks every five years.
Now, employees are only screened when hired. The proposal also says the state could revoke a teacher’s license if the employee is convicted of some felonies, including sexual misconduct with a minor; and the Indiana Department of Child Services would be required to report more information to schools, including when they verify child abuse claims against a school employee stemming from incidents that happen off school grounds.
