RTI and Disporportionality in Special Education Essay

Disproportionality, in special education, is the overrepresentation or under-representation of a particular population or demographic group relative to their presence in the overall student population (Ralabate, Klotz, 2007). There are many factors thought to contribute to disproportionality: cultural differences, lack of appropriate assessment strategies, socioeconomic status, race, and gender (Kanaitsa, 2010). Cultural differences pose several barriers for students and may impair their opportunity to learn. These barriers are created by differences in language expression, communication style, preferred learning style, gender-role customs and behaviors, and limited parental involvement due to these cultural or socioeconomic barriers†¦show more content†¦There are a few ways to try and minimize the label of disability placed unjustly on students due to diversity. When compiling individual assessments more extensive background information needs to be gathered pertaining to school attendance, family structure, cultural beliefs, household changes and moves, and medical, developmental, and educational histories (Ralabate, Klotz, 2007). If there is a possible language barrier then a dual language assessment evaluation should be given. Also included in an individualized comprehensive evaluation is how a student responds to scientific evidence-based interventions. Scientific evidence-based interventions are generally assessed through a response to intervention (RTI). The RTI approach can potentially cross over cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic barriers by assessing each student as an individual. Response to intervention should emphasize how well students respond to changes in instruction rather than what is considered the norm for the society they live in (Klotz, Canter, 2007). These changes, or lack thereof, in a student’s progress are measured, and modifications to instruction are implemented in the RTI model. This model has multiple tiers of intense scientific, research-based interventions that increase, or decrease due to a student’s need. In a three tier RTI model every