Distinguishing Difference from Disability: The Common Causes of Racial/Ethnic Disproportionality in Special Education

This report, sponsored by the Equity Alliance at Arizona State University, discusses strategies to understanding and reducing racial/ethnic disproportionality in special education. The author examines the causes and provides specific recommendations, focused on three areas: 1) gaps in curriculum and instructional implementation disproportionately affect struggling learners, 2) inconsistent pre-referral process, and 3) limited beliefs about student ability.