Significant Disproportionality

IDEA Section 618(d) requires States to annually examine whether significant disproportionality based on race and ethnicity exists in their LEAs (in Colorado, Administrative Units).  Having significant disproportionality means that students of a particular race/ethnicity are significantly more likely than their other-race peers to be identified as children with disabilities, identified with a particular disability category (e.g., Autism, Intellectual Disability), placed in a particular educational setting (e.g., separate classroom), or suspended/expelled as a disciplinary measure.

The significant disproportionality regulation and surrounding guidance:​

• Significant Disproportionality Regulations (Federal Register - National Archives)
• Significant Disproportionality: Essential Questions (from U.S. Office of Special Education Programs)
• IDEA Data Center: Equity Requirements in IDEA 

Implementation of the significant disproportionality regulation in Colorado:

• Significant Disproportionality in Special Education - Fact Sheet Vol. 1 (PDF)
• Colorado's Definition of Significant Disproportionality (PDF)
• Process Framework: Significant Disproportionality in Colorado (PDF)

What happens after an AU is identified as significantly disproportionate?

When an AU is identified as significantly disproportionate, it must,

• identify the factors contributing to the significant disproportionality,
• review, and if appropriate, revise policies, procedures, and practices contributing to the significant disproportionality, and
• set aside 15% of its IDEA Part B allocation for comprehensive coordinated early intervening services (CCEIS).

The resources listed below address the required activities in more detail:

• Success Gap Rubric: Used to conduct an effective root cause analysis 
• Mandatory Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services QA (PDF)
• IDEA Data Center: CEIS Practice Guide (from Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting)
• Available resources include a template for reporting students who received CEIS services and the File Layout and Definitions

For more information, please contact: