Without a doubt, African-American boys are over-represented in special education. The problem is, African-American boys need and deserve a different teaching and learning methodology from the mainstream (i.e., white) educational model that still prevais in public schools – especially in highly populated areas. Over-crowded classrooms and ill-conceived pedagogies are the true “learning” disabilities; but don’t blame the teachers – they already know what’s wrong, but are powerless to change it.
We all know that students who truly have “learning disabilities” are, by definition, otherwise bright kids who struggle to organize information and use traditional curriculum materials. Sadly, though, many children who truly have serious cognitive difficulties or emotional difficulties have been euphemistically labeled as learning disabled because of the stigma associated with mental retardation and mental illness. In addition, the majority of special education classes are cross-categorical, meaning that students with true learning disabilities are placed alongside students with significantly low intellectual functioning and seriously disruptive behavioral disorders. For this reason, teachers are unable to focus their efforts on providing curricular support while maintaining the scope and pacing necessary to allow capable students who would otherwise be cooperative and proactive in the learning process to participate in the same educational opportunities as their “non-disabled” peers.
Lowering class sizes and providing support($)for alternative curricular materials, and allowing teacher-creativity and problem-solving would significantly reduce the number of inappropriate referrals to special education. Accuracy and honesty in applying eligibility standards to special education placements would prevent the dumping that makes special education an undesirable option for kids who truly need curricular modification. Societal education to eliminate the stigma of diagnoses like mental retardation and emotional disorders will open more doors for kids who need real help.
