QuantCrit Analyses of Overrepresentation in Special Education: Examining Intersecting Identities of Multilingual Status and Gender

• In Event: Embracing Inclusivity: Centering Bi-/Multilingual Special Education Learners and Research in the Field

Abstract

Urban public schools are experiencing increasing diversity, raising concerns about overrepresentation of multilingual learners in special education. We used QuantCrit to analyze special education identification in a U.S. urban school district from 2016 to 2022, focusing on intersections of multilingual status and gender across P-12 grades. Latent response models revealed boys had higher probabilities of special education placement than girls throughout the period. Notably, multilingual boys showed the highest probability after late elementary from 2016 to 2019, but this shifted to the preschool stage from 2020 onward. Our findings highlight the complex interplay of language status and gender in special education referrals. We emphasize the need for continued research on intersecting identities to promote equitable educational experiences for multilingual students.

Authors

• Yookyeong Park, University at Albany - SUNY

• Nicholas S. Bell, University at Albany - SUNY

• Sumaita Binta Salim, University at Albany - SUNY