When greater numbers of children from minority groups are placed in special education programs compared to their proportion of the general school population, this is called
A) Underrepresentation
B) Cultural pluralism
C) Overrepresentation
D) Multiculturalism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Overrepresentation refers to the trend of placing more students from minority groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, in special education programs than would be expected based on their representation in the general school population. This often reflects a bias in the assessment and referral process, rather than a genuine difference in ability or behavior. Underrepresentation, on the other hand, refers to the opposite trend of minority students being under-identified or under-served in special education. Cultural pluralism and multiculturalism, while related to issues of diversity and equity, do not specifically address this phenomenon in special education.

When Greater Numbers of Children from Minority Groups Are Placed