What does disproportionality in special education refer to?

Disproportionality in special education specifically refers to the overrepresentation of certain minority groups in special education programs compared to their representation in the general population. This phenomenon raises concerns because it suggests that certain groups of students may be identified as needing special education services at higher rates than others, potentially due to factors such as bias in assessment practices or systemic inequalities. Understanding disproportionality is essential for addressing educational equity and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, receive appropriate support based on their actual needs rather than factors unrelated to their abilities or challenges.

The other options focus on balanced representation or specific populations that do not encompass the core concept of disproportionality, which is fundamentally about the fairness and accuracy of identifying students for special education services across different demographic groups.