TALLAHASSEE --

Every day, thousands of young students log onto the internet to take online classes.

They learn everything from arithmetic to American history and then get a grade that will count toward graduation.

Those grades are supposed to be awarded by certified teachers, but that may not be happening in the case of K12, a company contracted to run virtual schools.

The Florida Department of Education is investigating allegations of grades being doled out by uncertified teachers working for K12.

The company offers online classes in 43 Florida school districts, including Leon County, where district spokesman Chris Petley says red flags have gone up.

"We have a very limited number of classes (that) our students have taken specifically (from) this company, and in (those instances), we've had a couple where we have...moved the students," Petley said.

The revelation is casting new light on the integrity of the virtual school program, putting officials at the State Department of Education in a difficult position.

They now have to investigate the very company they've turned to in an effort to help reduce class sizes and save money.

It's a company that may also be using certified teachers to sign off on students they've never taught.

Link:
Florida online education provider K12 under investigation