DOE Proposes Rule Under IDEA Addressing Racial Disproportionality

[clickToTweet tweet=”.@usedgov proposes rule under #IDEA addressing racial disproportionality” quote=”.@usedgov proposes rule under #IDEA addressing racial disproportionality”]On February 23, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education published a proposed rule under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) addressing racial disproportionality in special education.

The power of a good education, based on high expectations and quality instruction for ALL students, cannot be overstated. TASH enthusiastically supports this action by the Department of Education to move the nation closer to a better education for all students.” – Barb Trader, TASH Executive Director

With the goal of promoting equity in IDEA, the regulations would (1) establish a standard methodology States must use to determine whether significant disproportionality based on race and ethnicity is occurring; (2) clarify that States must address significant disproportionality in the incidence, duration, and type of disciplinary actions; (3) clarify requirements for the review and revision of policies, practices, and procedures when significant disproportionality is found; and (4) require that local educational agencies (LEAs) identify and address the factors contributing to significant disproportionality.

TASH applauds the U.S. Department of Education for addressing this complex issue and taking steps to tackle the disproportionate identification, segregation, and discipline of children of color under the special education system.