From a disability studies (DS) perspective, the authors analyze how the historical conflation of disability with other identity factors and the ideology of normalcy contribute to the disproportionality problem in K-12 special education. They argue that this conflation and ideology make labeling and segregated education seem natural and legitimate…

The conference theme, "We Listen, They Speak," describes the proceedings of the conference at which Native Indians, Eskimos, and Metis were speakers, and the Whiteman listened. The speeches cover such areas as integration, cultural conflict, residential schools, cultural discrimination, social problems, educational needs, curriculum…

The Colorado school finance system, which has been sued as unconstitutional because of disparities among school district expenditures per pupil, is described. Inequalities in taxation and in the provision of education to economically disadvantaged and minority group students throughout the country are discussed. (GC)

In South Africa, the policy of separate development means that there are four educational systems (for Whites, Blacks, Asians, and "Coloureds"). The disparities among these systems clearly favour the dominant minority group. Reflecting the same disparities and inequalities, special education is a matter of separating rather than…

Summarizes plaintiffs' and defendants' opinions in the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) case concerning why some minority students fail TAAS, history of racial/ethnic discrimination in Texas schools, students' opportunity to learn TAAS content, teaching-TAAS alignment, adverse impact on minority students, psychometric integrity, decision…

This report opens with a bleak picture of the kind of mathematics now taught within American classrooms. The situation for minority students is viewed as particularly grim. The Ford Foundation has launched a major national effort to improve minority students' performance in mathematics and to help mathematics teachers improve the quality of their…

Examines 10 years of reform documents regarding inclusion and equity in mathematics education. The papers reflected reform aimed at general education and mathematics curriculum, teaching, and education research. Equity issues were acknowledged but seldom articulated. Equity was often submerged in global concerns for excellence. The paper…

Examines the plight of children of foreign "guest workers" in West German schools. Discusses public nonrecognition of West Germany's immigrant-nation status, state-based governance of education, linguistic and cultural isolation of young minority children, failure of German immersion and pullout language programs, inadequate provision of…

Applies four measures of disparate impact (four-fifths rule, Hazelwood rule, Shoben rule, and rule of practical significance) to Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) performance data for racial/ethnic groups. Compares findings to data on school quality and math course completion by racial/ethnic group. (Contains 21 references.) (SV)

This resource packet begins with an overview article attempting to place disability within the larger context of multiculturalism. Issues of discrimination resulting from race, gender, ethnicity, class, age, and disability are examined in terms of commonalities across the experiences. Questions about how to define the dominant culture and issues…

The meaning of the Supreme Court's decision affirming the rights of undocumented alien children to attend public schools free of charge and the impact of this and recent decisions on other issues relating to national origin minority students are discussed in this memorandum. Among the other issues are the status of non-immigrant children legally…

The financial crunch facing the nation has reduced the scope of educational opportunity and depreciated the quality of education for many White students, but it is the disadvantaged minorities who are the most victimized. Most Black and Hispanic children attend predominantly minority urban schools with disproportionate shares of special needs…

Only 20 percent of high school students in New York City experienced an integrated education in 1985. The Board of Education, in 1976, implemented a policy which designated some high schools as targets for maintenance of 50 percent white student populations. Since this policy was enacted, the proportion of white students in the total school…

Evidence is overwhelming that in spite of our rhetoric of equality of opportunity, American schools have endorsed and promoted the children of advantage and restrained and discouraged those of disadvantage. Our rhetoric of equality of opportunity, our American dream, is at stake. This concern is reflected fundamentally in the current national…

Many educational and employment problems of racial minorities, women, older adults, and the handicapped are associated with equity, discrimination, and equality. In economics, the concept of equity and its relevance to employment and education can best be understood through an analysis of two labor market theories. The theory of human capital sees…