What does over-representation in special education refer to?

Over-representation in special education specifically refers to the disproportionate identification of certain ethnic or cultural groups for special education services. This issue arises when the number of students from specific backgrounds who are placed in special education programs is significantly higher than what would be expected based on their overall population in the school or district.

Such over-representation can indicate systemic biases in the referral, assessment, and placement processes. It brings attention to the need for appropriate diagnostic practices and equitable resource allocation to ensure that all students receive the services they need without racial or ethnic bias influencing decisions. This understanding emphasizes the importance of monitoring and addressing disparities in special education placement to foster equitable educational opportunities for all students.

The other options imply different contexts: academic honors, balanced representation without context of need, or funding concerns, which do not pertain to the specific issue of identifying students for special education services based on ethnicity or race.