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A Star-Telegram investigation examines how "child molesters, rapists, drug users and thieves have remained certified as Texas teachers - sometimes for years - because of a backlog at the state agency [the State Board for Educator Certification] that oversees educator credentials." The reporters' analysis of more than 9,000 cases at the state board finds that " the delays have opened the door for predators to have easy access to children by allowing them to quietly change schools or to obtain credentials in other states." Some of the major findings are that "more than 900 cases were pending against Texas educators, ... some ... dated to 1988," and that "nearly 30 registered sex offenders still hold their credentials." The investigation reveals that "almost 40 percent of those accused were ultimately cleared by the state." It also provides a step-by-step tutorial for parents to check the status of their children's teachers.

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