Resource Library

Data Sources for Calculating Significant Disproportionality provides a summary of the data needed to calculate significant disproportionality for identification, placement, and discipline.  For each category of analysis, this resource  provides a description of the data needed to calculate the risk numerator and risk denominator,  and notes the relevant EDFacts file specifications, including which subtotals or category sets, as appropriate. 

The Significant Disproportionality Calculator is a spreadsheet application that the IDEA Data Center (IDC) created to help states analyze their data, make determinations of significant disproportionality, and support local education agencies (LEAs) in their analysis of data for significant disproportionality at the school-level. The accompanying user’s guide describes each worksheet within the calculator, formatting requirements, and instructions for using the calculator.

The Equity in IDEA regulations require states to determine annually if local education agencies (LEAs) are identified with significant disproportionality. The regulations outline specific requirements related to methods for identifying LEAs and activities the LEAs must complete after they are identified. These significant disproportionality resources can assist states with implementing these requirements and supporting LEAs through the process of meeting the requirements.

This new resource can support SEA staff who prepare for the data systems and SPP/APR components of DMS 2.0. It includes a review of the Parts B and C—Data and SPP/APR Protocol along with IDC’s suggested evidence that an SEA may provide to OSEP in support of each monitoring question in the protocol. This resource also includes a list of IDC TA resources that states can use to create or strengthen their evidence.