This section of the website provides a variety of resources, many of which can be downloaded.
RI Technical Assistance Project (RITAP) Website
The Teacher Assistant webpage you are currently visiting is actually part of a larger website for the RI Technical Assistance Project (RITAP) at RI College. The RITAP website is a great resource in and of itself. Learn more
Teacher Assistant Newsletter
The RI Department of Education (RIDE) publishes a quarterly newsletter to provide up-to-date information on policy, practice and personnel development activities related to teacher assistants and the people with whom they work. Send an email to Shirley Medeiros to join the email list. Learn More or click here to read the newsletter (266KB / 6 pages).
RICERT TA
The RI Department of Education (RIDE) has developed a computer-based system known as RICERT TA to track the qualifications, assignments and professional development of Teacher Assistants. Our RICERT TA web page provides a variety of resources to support administrators and TAs in using using the system. Learn More
Research on the Effective Use of TAs
Review a summary of research (360KB / 15 pages) on;
- Teacher Assistant Use Linked to Student Achievement
- What Teachers Need to Know About the Effective Use of Teacher Assistants
- Teacher Assistant Assignment Considerations
- Teacher Assistant Professional Development
- National Trends and State Practices Related to Teacher Assistants
Effective Use of Teacher Assistants - A Module for Policy and Practice Development
This module is targeted for persons in a leadership capacity related to teacher assistants. It includes a module document, accompanying PowerPoint presentation and a web-based component. It can be used as an auto-instructional resource by individuals or groups wishing to do research, program self-assessment and program improvement related to teacher assistant legal requirements, policy and practice. It can also be used as a training tool. Learn More
Annotated Bibliography of Teacher Assistant Resources Available on Loan.
These resources have been compiled by the RI Department of Education to assist school districts and other entities in developing policy and practice and in providing professional development for teacher assistants and persons working with them. Most of the resources on this bibliography are available on loan for review or use at 6 locations throughout the state. Learn More
Worksheets Teachers and Teacher Assistants Can Use to Improve Teamwork
Resources are made available here to support the implementation of State Guidelines related to Instructional Teams, Supervision and Performance Evaluation related to Teacher Assistants. Learn More
Handbook for Substitute Teachers and Teacher Assistants.
This handbook provides resources that school personnel can adapt to their individual situations to facilitate: communication and teamwork among teachers and teacher assistants and continuity of instruction when teachers or teacher assistants are absent. Learn More
Teacher Assistant Job Descriptions.
A variety of materials designed to assist districts and related programs in developing effective job descriptions for teacher assistants including information on teacher assistant job description requirements and state guidelines, examples of teacher assistant job descriptions in RI districts and related agencies, a job description format and supports for job description development. Learn More
National Skill Standards for Teacher Assistants
The Education and Training Voluntary Partnership (ETVP) under the Nat'l Skill Standards Board has developed Skill Standards for Frontline Workers in Education and Training: Paraprofessionals, Paraeducators, Teacher Assistants, Education Assistants, and Child Care Workers Working in General Education, Special Education and Early Childhood Care and Education. Learn More
Decision-Making Model for Natural Supports and/or Supplementary Aides or Services.
This model and form have been developed by RIDE as a support in determining a student's need for natural supports and/or supplementary aides or services that may or may not include teacher assistant assignment. Learn More
Student Contract
Research shows that teacher assistant use, particularly 1:1 teacher assistants, can sometimes cause a student with special needs to become dependent on the teacher assistant. A student contract is one way to support a student in making personal decisions about his/her education and encourage self-determination. Lean More
Training Module for Teacher Assistants Who Work with Students Who Have English As a Second Language.
A module that trains TAs in competencies specified in RI State Guidelines for TAs Working Students who Have English as a Second Language. Learn More
Sharing District-Developed Resources
Resources developed by districts and related programs, such as forms, handbooks, etc. Learn More
TAs Assisting in Community-Based Instruction
This page on our website includes information on State Guidelines, Training, Resources and State Agencies/Organizations. Visit the page.
