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THE DIPLOMA MILL ALTERNATIVE: THE REGIONALLY ACCREDITED VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL Presented by: Donald Jones, American Central High School Howard Liebman, Smart Horizons Career Online Education Gene Hart, Hart Investigations Gregory Jones, American

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THE DIPLOMA MILL ALTERNATIVE: THE REGIONALLY ACCREDITED VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL

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Presented by: Donald Jones, American Central High School Howard Liebman, Smart Horizons Career Online Education Gene Hart, Hart Investigations Gregory Jones, American Central High School

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REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS

REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS Presented by HOWARD LIEBMAN, SUPERINTENDENT SMART HORIZONS CAREER ONLINE EDUCATION

Smart Horizons August 4, 2011

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REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS

Smart Horizons Career Online Education a national leader in delivering affordable, career‐based online education to students throughout the world. Founded in 2009 and located in Pensacola, Florida, Smart Horizons Career Online High School offers complete 18‐credit, career‐based high school diplomas, designed to prepare students for entrance into or advancement within the workplace. Howard Liebman, Ph.D. ‐ Cofounder & Superintendent of Schools A visionary in the field of innovative online education, Dr. Howard A. Liebman is a nationally recognized educator and entrepreneur with experience in founding and leading successful public and private education‐ related enterprises.

HOWARD LIEBMAN, SUPERINTENDENT, SMART HORIZONS CAREER ONLINE EDUCATION

Smart Horizons August 4, 2011

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REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS

Drop Out Crisis

  • US Representative George Miller (D‐CA), chair of the

committee on education and labor notes, – "the crisis we're seeing in our nation's high schools is real, it's urgent, and it must be fixed. It's become increasingly clear that addressing the dropout crisis is

  • n of the most important things we can do to turn our

economy around and regain our competitive footing for good.“

Smart Horizons August 4, 2011

Albright, A., & Salmanowitz, M. (2009, May 12). High School Dropout Crisis Threatens U.S. Economic Growth and Competiveness, Witnesses Tell House Panel. Committee on Educatoin & Labor, United States House of

  • Representatives. Retrieved from http://edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2009/05/high‐school‐dropout‐crisis‐thr.shtml
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REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS

Consider the Following

  • Nationwide, 7,000 students drop out every day and only

about 70 percent of students graduate from high school with a regular high school diploma.

  • Across United States public schools, just 74.9 percent of

students who were freshmen in the fall of 2004 graduated from high school on time in 2008

Smart Horizons August 4, 2011

Albright, A., & Salmanowitz, M. (2009, May 12). High School Dropout Crisis Threatens U.S. Economic Growth and Competiveness, Witnesses Tell House Panel. Committee on Educatoin & Labor, United States House of

  • Representatives. Retrieved from http://edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2009/05/high‐school‐dropout‐crisis‐thr.shtml

National Center for Educational Statistics, 2010

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REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS

Incentive to Obtain a High School Diploma

  • Without a high school diploma, median income is

approximately $24,000. – More likely to be unemployed. – More likely to have health problems – More likely to incarcerated.

Smart Horizons August 4, 2011

Cataldi, E., Laird, J., KewalRamani, A., & Chapman, C. (2009). High School Dropoout and Completion Rates in the United States: 2007 ( No. IES 2009‐064, NCES NCES 2009‐064) (p. 84). National Center for Education Statistics, Institue of Education Sciences, US Department of Education. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009064.pdf

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REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS

2007‐2008 Graduation Rate by State

Smart Horizons August 4, 2011

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REENGAGING HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUTS

Drop Out Traits and Behaviors

  • Regularly misses school, continued absences leading to poor academic

performance and noninvolvement in school activities.

  • Does not participate in extracurricular activities.
  • Receives more counseling than most students.
  • Exhibits a genuine dislike for school.
  • Typically has poor grades.
  • Is one or two academic levels below grade level.
  • Has been retained one or more times.
  • Has failed three to five classes by high school.
  • Struggles with discipline.
  • Comes from a low socio‐economic background.
  • Has a family that moves a lot.

Smart Horizons August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

A DISCUSSION OF DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS Presented By

  • R. GENE HART, CFE

HART INVESTIGATIONS, INC.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Since 1981 Hart Investigations has conducted investigations for many corporations, colleges, proprietary schools, and technical schools throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. We have worked with the Inspector General’s Office, Department of Education, the California Student Aid Commission and various other agencies on institutional problems. Hart Investigations has reported hundreds of cases to federal and state agencies on violations since 1981, and assisted in the prosecution of those responsible for the improper and illegal conduct. In addition, we investigate violations of the Cleary Act (reporting of crime on and around campus), college hazing, and federal work‐study program issues.

  • Mr. Gene Hart, founder and president of Hart Investigations has nearly 40

years of law enforcement and investigative experience.

  • R. GENE HART, CFE

HART INVESTIGATIONS, INC

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

DIPLOMA MILLS

There are thousands of diploma mills throughout the United States and foreign countries. Diploma mills are an estimated $300 million a year industry. Diploma mills have been around for years. In the 1980’s two of the most popular were:

  • 1. Calvary High School, Ingles, Florida
  • 2. St. John’s University, Springfield, Louisiana

Several diploma mills are operated by former school personnel.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

DIPLOMA MILLS

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

DIPLOMA MILLS

Admission personnel find ways to meet their goal.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

DIPLOMA MILLS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

DIPLOMA MILLS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

False GED’s and diplomas are purchased every day. There are countless ads in magazines and online.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

School personnel create false educational documents and templates.

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

  • St. Louis, Missouri – GED’S‐R‐US

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Kansas City, Missouri – Admissions Representative made diplomas and GED’s for students.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Two Admissions Representatives and School Director indicted.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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Fraudulent Documents

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Fraudulent Documents

Chicago, Illinois – Admissions Representatives and DOA made diplomas and GED’s for students.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Federal program review identified diploma on their infamous Blacklist.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

School audits all files and found several diplomas and GED’s were compromised.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Students make their own diplomas.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Colleges sell grades and diplomas.

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

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Schools strive for students and enrollments. Wonderlic de‐certified two Proctors.

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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Basic warning signs.

FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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Basic Warning Signs

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“Life Experience” earns you a degree: Real colleges may give a few credits for real‐world experience but no legitimate school would give you a master’s in business administration jus because you own your own business, or award you a doctorate in divinity because you taught Sunday school. No homework required: Legitimate schools require substantial homework. Flat fee: Real colleges charge by the credit hour. No waiting: Operation that promise degrees in a matter of days, weeks or months are not legitimate. A legitimate degree takes time.

Basic Warning Signs

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Characteristics of diploma mills:

  • Name of institution is deceptively similar to well‐known

reputable universities.

  • Degrees can be obtained within a few days, weeks or

months from the time of enrollment, and back‐dating is possible.

  • Either there are no faculty members or they hold

advanced degrees from the institution itself or from

  • ther diploma mills.
  • Academic credit is offered for “life experience”.
  • Tuition & fees are paid on a per‐degree basis rather

than on a per‐semester, per‐quarter or per‐course basis.

Diploma Mills

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Characteristics of diploma mills:

  • Prospective students are encouraged to “enroll now”

before tuition or fees are increased.

  • The institution has no library personnel, publications or

research.

  • Promotional literature contains grammatical and spelling

errors, words in Latin, extravagant or pretentious language and sample diplomas.

  • The school is advertised using e‐mail spam or other

questionable methods.

  • Jurisdiction shopping: the school is situated in another

country or legal jurisdiction, where running diploma mill is legal, standards are lax or prosecution is unlikely.

Diploma Mills

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Characteristics of diploma mills:

  • Prospective students are encouraged to “enroll now”

before tuition or fees are increased.

  • The institution has no library personnel, publications or

research.

  • Promotional literature contains grammatical and

spelling errors, words in Latin, extravagant or pretentious language and sample diplomas.

  • The school is advertised using e‐mail spam or other

questionable methods.

Diploma Mills

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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DIPLOMA MILLS AND FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

Characteristics of diploma mills:

  • Despite being situated in such a diploma mill‐friendly

country, the school has no students from that country, and is run entirely by non‐native staff.

  • Unusual academic subjects. Instead of “hard sciences”,

where competence is easier to verify, the subjects are esoteric and may be based on pseudoscience, e.g. astrology, natural healing and religious literature.

Diploma Mills

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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A message from the Inspector General – GAO – F. T. C. – News Media – Hart Investigations

Hart Investigations, Inc. August 4, 2011

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American Central High School ‐ What is it? ‐ Strategic partnerships