Dr. Fergus argues in this article that effectively utilizing data, considering potential solutions to misidentification in Special Education, and “practicing the pause” are three strategies that can start reversing disproportionality within special education. The pause Dr. Fergus speaks of is an intentional act to ask questions and understand the background and experiences of each student in order to determine what supports are needed to support positive outcomes. Dr. Fergus suggests three specific pauses that should be practiced to avoid or correct misidentifications of students as needing special education.
Fergus, Edward. 2022. Three Ways to Mitigate Special Education Disproportionality. Catapult Learning, https://catapultlearning.com/2022/03/15/three-ways-to-mitigate-special-education-disproportionality-by-dr-edward-fergus/ (accessed January 30, 2023).
The authors analyzed the delayed identification of Black and Latinx students post elementary school and the disproportionate eligibility outcomes as compared to their white peers.
Cruz, R., and Firestone, A. (2022) Understanding the Empty Backpack: The Role of Timing in Disproportionate Special Education Identification. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, Vol. 8(1) 95–113
This series of articles on Inequities in schools takes a close look at some schools and districts that are engaging in hard work of embracing the goals of equity and turning them into action steps that are benefiting students. The articles discuss that black, Hispanic or low-income students schools may not have the same advanced courses as white, more affluent peers, teachers with long track records of effective teaching or are more likely to face harsher discipline. Articles: 1. In Pursuit of Equity 2. Data Reveal Deep Inequalities in Schools 3. How Onw District is Raising Math Rigor and Achievement for Students of Color 4. Access to Quality PD Is an Equity Issue, Teachers Say 5. The Simple Policy Change That's Getting More Students of Color in Advanced Courses 6. The Art of Making Science Accessible and Relevant to All Students
Samuel, C.A., Schwartz, S., Blad, E., Gewertz, C. 2020. Uprooting Inequities in Schools. Bethesda, Maryland: Education Week http://e-news.edweek.org/hostedemail/email.htm?CID=41632109141&ch=555AE40C00CA2111F027762D339E115D&h=090c7478f5f0b706ad27de4da5c61b08&ei=7f7OBGlxN&st=04-MAR-20
Bastable, E., Meng, P., Falcon, S. F., & McIntosh, K. (2023). Using an Embedded Mixed Methods Design to Assess and Improve Intervention Acceptability of an Equity-Focused Intervention: A Methodological Demonstration. Behavioral Disorders, 48(3), 201–211. https://doi.org/10.1177/0198742919880486
This document provides suggestions for use of Coordinated Early Intervening Services funds to address issues of equity in school discipline. Suggestions included multi-tiered systems of support, disaggregating data for decision-making, equity-focused professional development, coaching of teachers, and partnering with families.
Austin, Sean, Heidi Von Ravensberg, and Kent McIntosh. 2022. Wise Use of Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) to Achieve Equity in School Discipline. Eugene, OR: Center on PBIS, https://assets-global.website-files.com/5d3725188825e071f1670246/629fbbf38f28899469117353_Wise%20Use%20of%20Coordinated%20Early%20Intervening%20Services%20(CEIS)%20to%20Achieve%20Equity%20in%20School%20Discipline.pdf (accessed January 30, 2023).
