Why are minority children placed in special ed programs at a higher rate?

AUSTIN – Last week Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier submitted House Bill 3816, which will create a task force to study Special Education referrals in public schools. The Representative felt compelled to pursue the task force after speaking to numerous concerned parents while on the campaign trail as well as at a recent Town Hall meeting. Many Special Education parents were concerned that their student’s minority and cultural status played a role in their child’s referral to the program. Upon examination of the data gathered from around the State provided by the Texas Education Agency, it was apparent that their concerns were meritorious.

African-American students make up 13.7 percent of the total population in Texas but make up 17.4 percent of students in Special Education. Closer to home, it is even more troublesome. African-American students in Fort Worth ISD are 20 percent more likely to be referred to Special Education than any other student. Area district discrepancies are also listed below.

I could not ignore the overwhelming concern from the community that children are being mis-diagnosed or treated differently because of racial and/or culture differences,” said Representative Collier. “Devastating cuts to public education means that our education resources are limited and our teachers are often overwhelmed. We must direct Special Education resources to those who truly need it and not allow culture or race to affect children’s placement. Only by objectively examining the referral process with a group of professional educators and advocates will we be able to seriously address this undeniable trend.”

  Source: Texas Education Agency 2012 Performance-Based Monitoring Analysis System: District Report