Native American Students in North Dakota Special Education Programs.

Overview & Synopsis

Based on background research and information submitted at a public hearing in Bismarck, North Dakota, on December 13, 1991, this report addresses the extent to which Native American students are treated equally in North Dakota special education programs. It was found that in some schools and special education units, Native American students in special education far exceeded their proportion in the total student population. Statistics reinforce beliefs of special education personnel and others that the placement of some Native American students in special education programs results from questionable placement procedures and from the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of socioeconomic, linquistic, and cultural factors. Allegations were also made that racial prejudice was a factor in some placement decisions. Corrective action is urged to assure that evaluation and placement procedures use valid criteria and consider only nondiscriminatory factors. Achieving this objective requires inplementation of a more comprehensive and detailed data collection system, more meaningful parent participation in placement procedures, and reassessment and revision of the training of teachers and program administrators. Reporters recommend selective review of North Dakota schools and school districts to determine compliance with the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and other statutes requiring nondiscrimination. Data tables present information for North Dakota and for Bismarck public schools on enrollments and special education placements, school personnel, and expenditures and revenues. Appendices list North Dakota Special Education Administrative Units and detail Native American enrollment in North Dakota schools for 1991-92. (SV)