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This TA guide addresses the more common methods for calculating racial/ethnic disproportionality in special education. IDC revised the guide, which the Data Accountability Center (DAC) originally published in October 2011, because of a change in SPP/APR Indicators 9 and 10 to remove underrepresentation from the measure.

This webinar focused on key components of the new significant disproportionality regulations presented in §20 U.S.C. 1418(d) and 34 CFR §§300.646 and 300.647. The regulations require states to determine whether significant disproportionality based on race/ethnicity is occurring with respect to the identification of children as children with disabilities, including identification as children with particular impairments; placement of children in particular educational settings; and incidence, duration, and type of disciplinary actions, including suspensions and expulsions. Timeline for state compliance is July 1, 2018, and states must make significant disproportionality determinations using new methodology during SY 2018-19. The webinar highlighted new OSEP Significant Disproportionality Resources and included resources that comprise IDC's Disproportionality and Equity Resource Collection. The webinar was part of IDC's Discipline Peer-to-Peer Exchange.

States can use the Excel spreadsheet application for calculating disproportionality measures and accompanying user's guide in their assessment of racial/ethnic disproportionality. The spreadsheet application calculates several disproportionality measures and the User’s Guide provides instructions for using the spreadsheet application.

Please note this resource is currently not 508 accessible. If you need assistance with the use of this resource, please contact us at www.ideadata.org.

To address the disparities experienced by minority students with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Education is proposing a new Equity in IDEA Rule. During this session, presenters used data examples to guide states through a series of questions regarding how the Notice of Proposed Rule Making might affect significant disproportionality calculations, analysis, and decision-making. Presenters also introduced IDC’s Success Gaps Toolbox, which can help states and local school districts in determining root causes of significant disproportionality.