Disproportionality may be caused by:
* Failure to recognize and accommodate cultural differences among minority
groups;
* Use of inappropriate assessment strategies for English Language Learners and
racial and ethnic minorities;
* Failure to accommodate parents of students with Limited English Proficiency
or language minorities; and
* Lack of responsiveness to cultural and socioeconomic differences among
children and their families.
* Subjective procedures leading to special education referrals
The National Association of School Psychologists
The National Association of School Psychologists has several suggestions for the cause of the problem of the overrepresentation of minorities in special education. In a recent article they posted they listed these as some of the top reasons why this occurs.
- differences in school readiness, ability, and academic achievement among student groups;
- bias in referral, assessment, or placement practices;
- interpersonal bias, lowered expectations, and misinterpretation/pathologization of behaviors of students who are CLD;
- inequitable opportunities to learn because of academic tracking, limited and/or poorer quality curriculum and instruction, and teachers with fewer years of experience and limited qualifications;
- lack of culturally responsive curricula, instruction, and intervention that adequately represent the experiences, contributions, and assets of diverse groups;
- insufficient professional training to work effectively with diverse students;
- system characteristics that limit family and community involvement in education;
- inequitable resource allocation and funding appropriations that favor special education identification; and
- structural inequities, racism, and systemic bias that disadvantage students who are CLD.
http://www.nasponline.org/publications/cq/mocq381disproportionality.aspx
Disproportionate Representation of African American Students in Special Education: Acknowledging the Role of White Privilege and Racism
To purchase full article:
Race, Class, and Disproportionality: Reevaluating the Relationship Between Poverty and Special Education Placement
