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Owner: Nicholas S. Bell
Owner Email: nicholas.bell@uconn.edu
Paper Title: Critical Investigation of Overrepresentation: Developing an Equitable, Antiracist Special Education Model
Session Title: Rethinking Teacher Education Policy and Its Impact on Student Learning
Paper Type: Paper
Presentation Date: 4/16/2023
Presentation Location: Chicago, IL
Descriptors: Mixed Methods, Social Justice, Special Education
Methodology: Mixed Method
Author(s): Nicholas Steven Bell, University of Delaware; Donna Y. Ford, The Ohio State University; Roderick L. Carey, University of Delaware; LaRon A. Scott, University of Virginia; Zachary K. Collier, University of Connecticut
Unit: Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education
Abstract: The overrepresentation of Black, Latinx, and Emerging Bilingual students in special education has been a longstanding concern in the United States. Educational policies have mandated action to address this historical issue. However, these policies have not had the desired impact. Therefore, we conducted a critical investigation of overrepresentation. Using a transformative mixed-methods framework, we synthesized quantitative and qualitative findings to develop overall findings: a) unjust special education referrals; b) oppression in the fabric of the special education; and c) overcoming oppression in special education. Our investigation raises questions about the usefulness of special education in its current form. Culminating from this research is a justice-based, anti-racist special education model that challenges the inequitable practices and policies of special education.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/2010823