Reducing over-representation of minorities in Special Education

1. Culture Connection

1.1. As a teacher, make an effort to connect with your students, learn phrases in their language and learn about their culture

1.2. Allow diverse students to share their culture with their classmates

1.3. Seek out opportunities to celebrate non traditional holidays or events that are important for diverse students

1.4. Consider how your own culture may clash with the culture of a student, tailor your curriculum to be as inclusive as possible

2. Creativity and Expression

2.1. Provide opportunities for students to explore and interact with varying cultures. In the music classroom do not limit repertoire to classical western music

2.2. Consider how a student's culture of language may influence the ways that they may express creativity

2.3. Be accepting of students who choose to engage in their native language, transition is difficult for all young people

3. Parental Connection

3.1. Make an effort to engage with the parents of a student who appears to be struggling due to a language barrier

3.2. Provide parents with resources for language learning and explain how they can help their child succeed

3.3. When a cultural barrier exists, make an effort to explain to parents how expectations may differ in a new culture and provide opportunities to learn about the new culture

4. Make native language reading materials available and accessible in the general education classroom

5. Allow students who are developing ESL to complete assignments in their own language, in early stages of ESL provide a translator

6. Native Language Education

6.1. Provide students with opportunities to learn in their own language

7. Racial Data

7.1. Do not collect racial data while testing for disabilities or skill aptitude

7.2. Seek out diversity in the special education team in an effort to prevent racial bias

7.3. When determining whether a disability exists, carefully consider the presence of language or cultural barriers that may prevent a student from succeeding

8. Transition and Policy

8.1. If you find a flaw in legislation that impacts the way diverse students are placed, it is your responsibility to submit that flaw to appropriate law makers and interest groups

8.2. Connect with all students that are transitioning linguistically and culturally, provide them with tools and resources for success before considering any intellectual disability