ERIC Number: EJ797735
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Mar
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 9
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1937-6928
Restrictiveness and Race in Special Education: Facts that Remain Difficult to Ignore Anymore
Algozzine, Bob
Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal, v3 n1 p64-69 Mar 2005
Perhaps one of the most long-standing concerns in special education is the over-representation of some groups of children in special education. In this issue, Fierros and Blomberg report that racial/ethnic representation of special education students in charter schools mirrors that in general education populations. These findings are not new and are easily reproducible; the position taken here is that illustrating that over-representation exists, or the extent of it, is misplaced effort. If special education worked, few would be concerned about the distribution (or "over-distribution") of services; but, special education does not work all that well for many children receiving it; and therefore, research, reassessment, and reform should be redirected to the quality of services students receive not who receives them. This also is not a new idea, but it is among the least long-standing actions taken in special education and the time for change is rapidly approaching a critical edge. (Contains 1 figure, 1 table and 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Racial Factors, Disproportionate Representation, Ethnic Groups, Racial Discrimination, Special Needs Students, Charter Schools, Disabilities, Special Education, Enrollment Trends, Minority Groups
Learning Disabilities Worldwide, Inc. P.O. Box 142, Weston, MA 02493. Tel: 781-890-5399; Fax: 781-890-0555; Web site: http://www.ldam.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A