# What is disproportionality in special education?

> In special education, disproportionality generally occurs in two primary areas. One, the over- or under-representation of children with disabilities in specific disability categories is of particular concern. Two, the over-representation of students with disabilities in the discipline process is of considerable concern. With regard to tracking disproportionality, school districts are most often tasked with the

In special education, disproportionality generally occurs in two primary areas. One, the over- or under-representation of children with disabilities in specific disability categories is of particular concern.  Two, the over-representation of students with disabilities in the discipline process is of considerable concern.  With regard to tracking disproportionality, school districts are most often tasked with the over-representation of students in these areas.

Disproportionality may be caused by:

- Failure to recognize and accommodate cultural differences among minority groups;
- Use of inappropriate assessment strategies for English Language Learners and racial and ethnic minorities;
- Failure to accommodate parents of ELL students or language minorities; and
- Lack of responsiveness to cultural and socioeconomic differences among children and their families.

Related Links…

5 Tips to Tackle Disproportionality.  [Download Now!](https://info.letsgolearn.com/disproportionality-guide)

To learn more about Let’s Go Learn’s special education software tools, [click here](https://cms.letsgolearn.com/challenges/special-education/).