The article surveys existing research on disproportionality and outlines three common perspectives used to explain the issue. It is useful for practitioners because it shows how experts have tried to understand factors associated with disproportionality.
Waitoller, F. R., Artiles, A. J., and Cheney, D. "The Miners’ canary: A Review of Overrepresentation Research and Explanations." Journal of Special Education, 44(1), 2010:29-49
The article is comprehensive in both its scope and depth in explaining disproportionality. It clearly lays out what research has said about the issue since the 1960’s and offers a thorough snapshot of current understandings of inequities in special education.
Skiba, R. J., Simmons, A. D., and others. “Achieving Equity in Special Education: History, Status, and Current Challenges.” Exceptional Children. Vol. 74, No. 3, 2008: 264-288.
Addresses the disproportionate representation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education and outlines the theoretical assumptions and principles that should guide efforts to reduce the disproportionate representation of these students in special education.
Janette K. Klingner et al. (2005) Education Policy Analysis Archives.
The article provides a conceptual map for understanding how policy, practice and people intersect in schools. The article is useful for practitioners that want to understand how federal mandates, school practices and the multitude of individuals in schools can coalesce into a system that improves general and special education.
Klingner, J. K., Artiles, A. and others. “Addressing the Disproportionate Representation of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in Special Education through Culturally Responsive Educational Systems.” Education Policy Analysis Archives, 13(38), 2005: 1-41.
The authors presents a research-based conference strategy designed to cultivate a trusting relationship between families and educators, referred to as Building Equitable Trusting Relationships (BETR). Critical to this three step trust-building process is understanding one's own and the site/district' culture and how that impacts the process.
Lindo, E. J., Kyzar, K. B., & Gershwin, T. (2023). Cultural Considerations for Building Equitable and Trusting Relationships (BETR) With All Families. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00400599231161799
Offers approaches and activities for enabling educational leaders to gain a personal understanding of what cultural proficiency means in practice; use collaborative activities to effect change in a school; and lead a learning community toward becoming a culturally proficient organization.
Lindsey, Randall, Kikanza Nuri Robins, and Raymond Terrell. 2009. Cultural Proficiency: A Manual for School Leaders, 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
The book presents well researched theories and examples of culturally relevant pedagogy in action. The book is useful to practitioners because it provides suggestions and tools for teachers to apply CR practices to their classrooms.
Gay, G. Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice. New York, NY: Teachers College Press, 2000.
An overview of the history and scope of the problem of disproportional representation.
Martha Coutinho and Donald Oswald (2006) National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems.
Published on August 28, 2013
Distinguishing Linguistic and Cultural Differences From Disability Presented by Alba A. Ortiz, Ph.D. This webinar is presented via the State Performance Plan Technical Assistance Project (SPPTAP) and the Napa County Office of Education with funding from the California Department of Education.
Ortiz, Alba. 2013. Distinguishing Linguistic and Cultural Differences From Disability. State Performance Plan Technical Assistance Project.
This new book explores how school leaders can foster equity by building a culture where teachers and students see their purpose and experience success within the school community.
Whitaker, M. "Equity in Schools Begins With Changing Mindsets." Edutopia, (2022).
