Research Project Proposal

Stephanie Crispell
Intern/Mentor G/T 2015-2016
Title: The Underrepresentation of Minority Students in Special Education
Overview of Research
I researched the factors that lead to the underrepresentation of minority students in
special education, focusing on the primary grades. The underrepresentation can be attributed to
biases in race, a lack in parental and administrative support, and an absence in constant medical
attention. I think that the world of special education is very interesting and I find that the
relationships between the special education classroom and a typical classroom are very unique,
but contain similarities as well. I am interested in focusing on the mainstreaming of students in
special education in the typical classroom.
Background and History of the Issue
Minorities have always struggled with equality and representation, especially since the
Brown v. Board of Education ruling, however recently the data in the special education
department has conveyed the underrepresentation of minority students in special education. Due
to the fluctuating levels in the department, there has been an ongoing struggle to create equal
opportunities in the realm of education.
Problem Statement and Rationale/Audience
The underrepresentation of minority students in special education can be observed in
various schools across the country. Students need to receive the support and attention needed to
become successful, however if students are not identified with a learning disability early on, they
will be missing necessary guidance. In order to improve this situation, schools need to be more
focused on the early identification of students with learning disabilities, especially minority
students, and persevere in finding a individualized track for each student. I can contribute to the
helping students receive the individualized support that is needed for reinforcement when
students are not yet identified with a disability. By working with particular students one-on-one, I
hope to be able to support the student in the weak areas and therefore spur action to identification
of the student with a learning disability.
Research Methodology
My goal is to teach a unit to the class (Context Clues) through engaging activities and
games. I will track their success through assessments and will individually help students who are
struggling or are not at the level of comprehension yet. To do this I will:
Research methods and reasoning behind the identification of a learning disability
Use my observations at my internship to further my knowledge on the interaction
between student to teacher
Talk with teachers to get an overall understanding of each students capability
Product Overview
I will create a unit for me to teach to the class about Context Clues. I will give the
students a pre and posttest in order to track their success. I will work one-one one with the
students who are struggling and help provide them with the support that they need. I will discuss
with my mentor their struggles and help provide her with data so that she can identify any
students with disabilities.