“One of the big things we’re fighting for right now is collaboration. With the oncoming of (the neighborhood schools model) we’ve tried to come with the district to create ways to build time into our days to talk about students, support students and find the time,” said Manny Athens, a member of the union’s bargaining team. 

The neighborhood schools model is a state initiative that seeks to maximize the time special education students spend in a general education classroom. Both teachers and paraeducators have said without proper support staffing and increased time allotted for staff to consult with one another, it may be set up for failure. 

“Part of why I wanted to work here was because of what we were doing in inclusion in special education. There’s a lot of good stuff out there, but a lot of it has fallen flat,” said Michael Bowersox, a special education teacher picketing Wednesday. “There’s been a lot of quick change, but what you need is that commitment to allow a long time for real change. Another big struggle is trying to meet state expectations without receiving enough training.”  (Columbian)