Providence Teachers Accuse RIDE of Leaving Them Out of Workshops

Providence Teachers Accuse RIDE of Leaving Them Out of Workshops

The head of the Providence Teachers Union is claiming that the Rhode Island Department of Education is leaving them out of focus groups scheduled for this week — while RIDE is claiming that teachers were in fact identified for participation. 

“Did anyone attend the RIDE meetings today that we weren’t invited to? The one at 7 am or tonight’s?  I’m just wondering if anyone went and what was said or done, and how many were in attendance?” Providence Teachers Union Maribeth Calabro posted to Facebook Wednesday night. 

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“We previously reached out to the union to identify teachers who could join us for a work session last week on these initiatives, and reached out to a different group for this week,” said RIDE in a statement. “Going forward, the dates provided will be shared with all stakeholders and they can join whichever sessions work for their schedules.”

Calabro shot back. 

“I received an email from RIDE to review the Social-Emotional toolkit — I could [not make it], so I sent teachers in my place.  These forums should be open to all teachers all community partners families and students.  It feels like and looks like we are being managed,” said Calabro. 

“Did they ask the community to choose a group to represent them to attend? I did not receive a follow-up email nor have I debriefed with my team to see if they were told to send teams to upcoming meetings,” said Calabro. “We are being treated differently than others and separated from the community and students.”

Latest in Focus Group 

The head of the Providence Student Union is blasting the Rhode Island Department of Education for what he said was a last-minute invitation to participate in focus groups this week.

On Tuesday, Providence Student Union Executive Director Zack Mezera took to Facebook to blast RIDE for the late invite to participate in focus groups — taking place on Wednesday and Thursday — on such topics as school culture, safety, cell phone policy, and attendance, as part of RIDE’s involvement with moving towards a takeover over the Providence schools.