Disproportionate Representation
Disproportionality refers to the phenomenon of groups of
children being over or underrepresented in a population. We are concerned with the
over- and under- representation of students with Cultural and Linguistic
Diversity as students with special needs.
The National Education Association (2015) has
published that populations that are under-represented (such as Hispanic) do not
have access to support services in the school setting. Conversely, some populations (such as African
American and English Language Learners) are over-represented, which may
segregate them from the general population in specialized classrooms and limit
access to a rigorous curriculum.Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) and Special Education Services
Under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides education services to all learners, even if English is not their primary language. Special education services must be provided, even if the student has limited English proficiency. Students with a cultural background that differs from their teachers and peers may struggle as they acclimate to the new cultural demands of the school setting. Language and cultural diversity may also affect the school district's ability to accurately identify disabilities, leading to disproportionality.
Culturally Responsive Practice
The National Education Association has advice about creating a Culturally Responsive Practice, which is student centered, focusing on the strengths of the children while relating the content and curriculum to their lives. It goes beyond having a respect for cultural diversity, creating an educational experience that builds on the experiences and expectations of families.
Here are some specific ideas for teachers:
Be reflective - what do you know about your students' cultural backgrounds?
Research cultural cues - what do you know about behavior expectations in their homes?
Ask the students (and parents) for information
Make home visits - go see parents and students in their homes, show you are invested in the education and success of the student.
Connect to the student's experiences - places they have visited, chores around the home, family traditions.
The Cult of Pedagogy website recommends imbedding games, social experiences and stories to culturally responsive lesson plans. The author maintains that merely acknowledging countries of origin does not truly integrate culture into curriculum. She explains that these three strategies parallel cultures that teach through story telling, riddles, songs or poems.
Resources:
http://www.nea.org/home/16723.htm
http://www.cultofpedagogy.com/culturally-responsive-teaching-strategies/
