Artiles, Alfredo, & Trent, Stanley
Researchers: Alfredo ArtilesStanley Trent
University Affiliation: Arizona State University, Michigan State University
Email: aartiles@asu.edu
Research Question:
Review critically the minority overrepresentation problem from a historical perspective.
Published: 1
Journal Name or Institutional Affiliation: The Journal of Special Education
Journal Entry: Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 410-437
Year: 1994
Findings:
- Minority students have been consistently overrepresented in special education programs since Dunn’s article was published in 1968.
- Research shows that the larger the minority student population in the school district, the greater the representation of minority students in special education classes.
- Black students still tend to be overrepresented in classrooms for students with mild mental retardation while there is a disproportionate number of Latinos in programs for students with learning disabilities and speech and language impairments.
- Stereotypes about the abilities of children of color are maintained by this correlation, and to some extent perpetuate the placement of disproportionate numbers of minority students in special education classes.
- Found a lack of understanding of the multivariate interactions associated with cultural diversity and disability.
- Both educators and students should aspire to develop cross-cultural competency to function comfortably in multicultural settings.
- Greater emphasis should be placed on the recruitment of minority individuals to pursue careers in teaching and educational research.