Equity and Diversity in the Distribution of Special Education Teachers: Trends From California

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Special Education Research SIG: Research in Special Education

Abstract

The shortage of special education teachers is a persistent challenge in the United States but less is known about the distribution of quality teachers and the extent of cultural diversity within the workforce. We extend the previous literature by examining changes in the supply and distribution of special education teachers after nearly a decade of IDEA and NCLB in California. Our results indicate a steady increase in special education students while the number of teachers has decreased at a higher rate. Much of the variation in teacher qualifications occurs across schools within the same district, and the disparities are larger by school poverty, racial segregation, and achievement level. The results have implications for addressing educational equity within special education.

Authors

• North Cooc, The University of Texas - Austin

• Man Yang, The University of Texas - Austin