Factors Contributing To The Overrepresentation Of Minorities In Special Education

Abstract

In educational systems across the nation the overrepresentation of minority students in special education remains one of the most pressing civil rights issues of this time. This problem was first noted nearly 50 years ago by Lloyd Dunn, a pioneer in the field of disability education, and continues today. The impact of this persistent overrepresentation has negative implications on the lives and futures of each misidentified student and is a factor that perpetuates institutionalized oppression. A review of literature on the disproportionality of minorities in special education identified many complex variables contributing to this endemic situation. This paper will address the phenomenon through the following: social structure, school context, and the eligibility process (Bal, Sullivan & Harper, 2014: Klingner & Harry, 2006). The last section will present promising practices suggested in the literature for application to ameliorate educational practice. Keywords: Special Education, Minorities