Teachers: TA’s being removed from special education classrooms in Warwick

By Alana Cerrone

acerrone@abc6.com

@Alana_Cerrone

Kerri Manson says her son relies on the help of his teacher assistants to get through some of his classes at Pilgrim High School.

"All that extra help is a big process of a child’s everyday school."

That’s why she’s worried, as her son goes into his junior year, because his teacher assistants may not be there to help.

"When the special education teacher doesn’t go into those classes, that’s where the TA’s come into play. You take that out, and that could jeopardize a child passing a class."

According to teacher representatives, the administration is shifting TA positions, pulling some away from the special education classrooms. Leah Hazelwood, a TA, says she’s afraid the move will be detrimental to students

"My main concern is there are so many students who receive service…you’re going to have 15 IEP’s, 26 students, and 1 special educator for all those varying needs? There’s just no way it’s going to work."

This comes just months after Warwick students skipped class to protest, demanding change in the special education department. Superintendent Philip Thornton and Mayor Scott Avedisian said there would be a department review.

In regards to this latest round of changes, Manson thinks every parent should be concerned.

"When that’s being taken away, that’s taking away from your child’s education."

The Warwick School Department did not respond to our calls for comment.

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