The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education’s 2014-2015 budget cuts 95-100 teacher assistant positions.  Primary reading teachers (PRTs) and part time teacher assistants are an essential part of learning in our student's first years (K-2nd grade).  They both support the work of full time teachers and allow for smaller teacher to student ratios that are crucial for the students in lower grades.  

The proposed cuts would result in 80 hours of instruction time lost per week just at Meadowlark Elementary. Many of us volunteer in the classroom, and we know how important these women and men are to the success of both our students and our full time teachers.   

Primary reading teacher’s responsibilities include: guiding reading groups, small and whole group math and writing instruction, assisting with parent communication and conferences, and helping with cumulative folders and permanent records.  In addition they provide small group and one-on-one remediation, intervention and enrichment.  This is a crucial time when a teacher can meet students’ needs.  It may mean reviewing a concept a child does not understand, spending time with a struggling student, or challenging a student to reach a higher level of understanding.

Additional testing requirements for all grades, including the new standards for promotion from third grade only make the time and expertise of these teaching assistants and PRTs all the more important.  

As members of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools community we urge Dr. Emory and the Board of Education to reconsider these cuts.