The Underrepresentation of Asian American Students in Special Education: Evidence From California

• In Event: 26.081 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 26.081-7 - Special Education Research SIG: Exploring Race, Disability Status, and Social/Emotional Outcomes

Abstract

Research on racial disparities in special education has focused mainly on the overrepresentation of Black, Latino, and Native American students. There is much less attention on Asian American students, particularly their underrepresentation in services. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of Asian American representation in special education at the district level in California, a state that is home to the largest Asian American population. The results show that Asian Americans are underrepresented in most districts but disparities are greater in districts with larger Asian American populations. The one exception is autism where Asian Americans are overrepresented. The results have implications for the identification process and how underrepresentation is documented at the state and national levels.

Author

• North Cooc, The University of Texas - Austin