Significant Disproportionality in Special Education: Current Trends and Actions for Impact

by the National Center for Learning Disabilities

Significant disproportionality in special education is a concerning trend where students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities are identified, placed in more restrictive educational settings, and disciplined at significantly higher rates than their peers. This brief discusses the magnitude of this trend, which negatively affects student outcomes, and the need for policymakers to take action to prevent it. The literature and latest research on disproportionality in special education are summarized, and changes in policy and practice that can reduce significant disproportionality in schools are proposed.

The inappropriate placement of children in special education programs causes short- and long-term harm, particularly for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students of color from low-income backgrounds. They are denied opportunities and rigorous curriculum crucial to their academic success, and once placed in special education programs, they are disproportionately secluded and harshly punished. To improve practices and policies, local school districts, states, and federal lawmakers must acknowledge the widespread inequities that exist and take steps to provide a high-quality public education that meets the individual needs of students from different racial or ethnic backgrounds. This brief provides valuable insights into the disproportionality in special education and the necessary actions to address this issue.

Read the full Article: Significant Disproportionality in Special Education:
Current Trends and Actions for Impact