Significant Disproportionality in Special Education: Current Trends and Actions for Impact, National Center for Learning Disabilities

URL: https://www.ncld.org/sigdispro/

Years of research point to inequities in education for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. These inequities are particularly apparent when it comes to rates of discipline and special education enrollment.

Being misidentified as needing special education, placed in a restrictive setting, or disciplined more frequently and harshly can negatively affect student outcomes. To correct and prevent these trends, education professionals and policymakers must first understand the magnitude of significant disproportionality for students of different races and ethnicities.

NCLD created a comprehensive white paper and six accompanying briefs to share data showing how students from specific communities are impacted.