The article critically engages with the assumptions embedded in RtI. It argues that while the policy may appear to be a comprehensive intervention system it does not directly engage with structural and contextual inequities in school districts. It is an important article for practitioners because it provides a critical lens to understand how policy alone cannot assure equitable outcomes.
Artiles, A. J., Bal, A., and King-Thorius, K. “Back to the Future: A Critique of Response to Intervention’s Social Justice Views.” Theory Into Practice, 49, 2010: 250–257.
As discipline continues to be a primary indicator of inequity in schools, NYU provides this assessment measure to help educators identify discipline outcomes in relationship to positive behavioral support systems.
NYU Steinhardt. nd. Behavioral Analysis Workbook. New York University: Metropolitan Center for Urban Education.
This resource from Culture Abilities Resilience Effort (C.A.R.E.) provides recommendations for incorporating research on racial and ethnic disparities in education to everyday practice.
National Education Association. 2003. C.A.R.E.: Strategies for Closing the Achievement Gap. Washington, DC.
The paper by the Council for Children with Behavior Disorders critically questions the effectiveness of federal policy and disproportionality monitoring mechanisms. It is an important piece to read because it questions how the provisions in IDEA, and compliance to IDEA, can address disproportionate outcomes. It offers practitioners the chance to reflect on how they understand IDEAs relationship to abatement of disproportionate outcomes.
Skiba, R., S. Albrecht, and D. Losen. 2012. CCBD’s Position Summary on Federal Policy on Disproportionality in Special Education. Arlington, VA: Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders.
This text provides educators with the necessary background information and framework to hold difficult conversations about race, privilege, and equity.
Singleton, Glen E. 2015. Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
This three-part report demonstrates that a large subgroup of students with disabilities are not getting their needs met; describes the school experiences of these students in relation to exclusionary discipline, referral to law enforcement, and chronic absenteeism; and indicates how the pandemic is exacerbating pre-existing inequitable conditions. The report concludes with recommendations for federal policymakers.
Losen, D. J., Martinez, P., & Shin, G.H.R. 2021. Disabling Inequity: The Urgent Need for Race-Conscious Resource Remedies. The Center for Civil Rights Remedies at the Civil Rights Project, UCLA: Los Angeles, CA. https://www.civilrightsproject.ucla.edu/research/k-12-education/special-education/disabling-inequity-the-urgent-need-for-race-conscious-resource-remedies
The book describes how court ordered desegregation efforts have subsided in strength. It exposes how school systems have slowly re-segregated since the landmark Brown V. Board of Education decision. It is useful for practitioners who are interested in understanding why school systems look like they do and how segregation is related to inequities in education.
Orfield, G., and Eaton, S. E. Dismantling Desegregation: The Quiet Reversal of Brown v. Board of Education. New York: New Press, 1996.
Disrupting Inequities: A Call for Interruption and Transformation was presented by Dr. Gregory Peters on March 15, 2017. This webinar is presented to you via the State Performance Plan Technical Assistance Project (SPPTAP) and the Napa County Office of Education with funding from the California Department of Education.
Peters, Gregory (2017). Disrupting Inequities: A Call for Interruption and Transformation. Napa, CA: State Performance Plan Technical Assistance Project.
Highlights some of the common policies, practices, and beliefs that place racial/ethnic minorities and low-income students at risk.
Edward Fergus (2010) NYU Steinhardt Technical Assistance Center on Disproportionality.
The author has discovered a multitude of equity initiatives to address equity gaps within the system of education.
Javius, E.L. "Educational Equity is About More Than Closing Gaps." Leadership, (2017).
