What does disproportionality refer to in special education?

Prepare for the Exceptional Student Education K-12 Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Boost your chances of success!

Disproportionality in special education refers to the phenomenon where certain groups of students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, are overrepresented or underrepresented in special education programs compared to their peers.

The correct concept of disproportionality highlights the overrepresentation of certain groups, particularly in regards to racial and ethnic minorities, who may be placed in special education at higher rates than their numbers in the general population would suggest. This situation raises concerns about potential biases in identification, assessment, and service delivery for students with disabilities. Addressing disproportionality is important to ensure equitable access to education and appropriate resources for all students.

The notion of equal representation would imply that every group has the same proportion of students in special education, which does not address the actual disparities that exist. Underrepresentation suggests that specific groups have fewer students in special education than expected, which can also signal a problem but differs from the typical concern associated with disproportionality being discussed in the context of overrepresentation. Lastly, random selection of students for assessment is not relevant to the concept of disproportionality since it deals with how students are identified for special education services rather than the method of assessment itself.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy