Published online first in: Educational Researcher June 24, 2015 Paul L. Morgan, Pennsylvania State University George Farkas, University of California, Irvine Marianne M. Hillemeier, Pennsylvania State University Richard Mattison, Pennsylvania State University Steve Maczuga, Pennsylvania State University Hui Li, Pennsylvania State University Michael Cook, Pennsylvania State University Abstract We investigated whether minority children attending U.S. elementary and middle schools are disproportionately represented in special education. We did so using hazard modeling of multiyear longitudinal data and extensive covariate adjustment for potential child-, family-, and state-level confounds. Minority children were consistently less likely than otherwise similar White, English-speaking children to be identified as disabled and so to receive special education services. From kindergarten entry to the end of middle school, racial- and ethnic-minority children were less likely to be identified as having (a) learning disabilities, (b) speech or language impairments, (c) intellectual disabilities, (d) health impairments, or (e) emotional disturbances. Language-minority children were less likely to be identified as having (a) learning disabilities or (b) speech or language impairments.
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Study on Minorities in Special Education Proves Provocative Education Week, June 25, 2015 Minority Children are Unrepresented in Special Education OC Weekly, June 25, 2015
Minorities Less Likely to Be Identified for Special Education, Study Finds Education Week, June 24, 2015
What You Thought About Minority Students and Special Ed Is Wrong U.S. News & World Report, June 24, 2015
More Minority Students Should Be In Special Ed, Study Says Huffington Post, June 24, 2015
Is Special Education Racist? (op-ed) New York Times, June 24, 2015 Morning Education: Challenging Special Education Policy Politico, June 24, 2015
"Minorities Are Disproportionately Underrepresented in Special Education: Longitudinal Evidence Across Five Disability Conditions" (PDF) Educational Researcher