Disproportionality occurs when the percentage of students of a particular ethnicity/race is either overrepresented or underrepresented in special education as compared to the school’s population. The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) makes a determination for significant disproportionality to demonstrate compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Each state that receives assistance under IDEA must provide for the collection and examination of data to determine if significant disproportionality, based on race and ethnicity, is occurring in the state and the local educational agencies (LEAs) of the state with respect to:

1. The identification of children as children with disabilities in accordance with a particular impairment described in Section 602(3);
2. The placement in particular educational setting of such children; and
3. The incidence, duration and type of disciplinary actions, including suspensions and expulsions. [618(d)(1)]

Staff Contact
Dr. Zelphine Smith-Dixon
Education Program Manager
Elementary Curriculum/School Improvement Unit
Division for Special Education Services
Georgia Department of Education
1870 Twin Towers East
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-5010
Tel: (404) 463-0678
Fax: (404) 463-5591
E-mail: zsmith@doe.k12.ga.us

• Disproportionality Overview
• Early Intervening Services Overview
  
  

• Coordinated Early Intervening Services Documentation Form
• Coordinated Early Intervening Services Plan Review Form
• Coordinated Early Intervening Services Application FAQs
• Critical Reading Protocol for Studies about Interventions
• Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) Cycle
• Intervention Review Protocol
• Significant Disproportionality and Disproportionate Representation
• Significant Disproportionality Technical Assistance Meeting Powerpoint
• Types of Research Methods

• Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004