Significant Disproportionality

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) requires states to identify school districts whose data show significant racial disproportionality in special education for three consecutive years. The purpose is to ensure students of all races receive appropriate and equitable supports in the least restrictive environment. A wide body of research has demonstrated that over-identification and exclusionary placement or discipline may affect students’ long-term outcomes. The federal rules for significant disproportionality went into effect May 20, 2019.

For instructions on how to utilize the Significant Disproportionality Report in I-Star, see the instructions below.

Click the Significant Disproportionality Report button.

Your district's report will open in a new tab.

If your district has determinations, they will appear on this opening screen.

You can change the Determination Year by clicking the drop-down arrow or if you are a coop with multiple districts, you can also use the drop-down arrow to filter out specific District Names.

You can clear your filters at any time by clicking the eraser icon.

To view a more in-depth report, click the Details button at the top of the page.

As you can see, there are several more filter options in this section.

Use the drop-down arrows to filter School Year, Race, and District Name.

You are able to filter through Category Group of Discipline, Identification, or Placement.

Hover over the question mark to find an explanation of the Categories of Analysis.

Click the Category you wish for the data to display below.

You can use control + click to choose more than one Category Group.

Use the check boxes in the Category section to change the Category of Analysis displayed below.