Why Are So Many Minority Students in Special Education? (2nd ed.)
By Beth Harry & Janette K. Klingner (Teachers College Press, 2014).
Harry and Klingner’s book is considered a foundational contribution to the study of racial inequity in special education. Through their careful research, nuanced storytelling, and theoretical perspective, the authors humanize special education processes that are often technical and dismissive of culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse families, communities, and students.
The book does not engage in individualistic and deficit-based descriptions of special education students. Nor does it reduce a complex issue to a singular “problem” or “solution.” Rather, it places the stories of students, families, caregivers, teachers, school leaders, and community members within historical, contextual, and cultural realities. Given this, the complexity of the root causes of racial inequity in special education outcomes are always at the forefront of the narrative.
The book is widely read by researchers and non-researchers alike, and it has greatly inspired my own scholarship. I’ve seen firsthand how the text can lead educators to think critically about their work; ask tough questions about the field of special education; and amend their policies, practices, and procedures to better pursue racial equity and justice. Originally published in 2006, and reprinted in 2014, Harry and Klingner’s findings continue to be relevant and necessary.
Catherine K. Voulgarides’ latest for Kappan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine K. Voulgarides
Catherine K. Voulgarides is an assistant professor of special education at the City University of New York, Hunter College. She is the author of Does Compliance Matter in Special Education?
