Intial

Equity, Achievement Gaps, and Other Issues

This discussion forum focuses on issues related to equity, disparities, and achievement gaps as they relate to education and other services for individuals with exceptionalities. These are complex issues impacted by many different factors (e.g., culture, race, disability status, language, SES), as well as multifactor intersections of these variables. The perspectives, experiences, and training of those interacting with these individuals—and institutions within which they work—also play a large role. We see impacts in areas including identification of disabilities, mental health concerns, and special education needs, service delivery, and access to equitable resources and services. We also learned, in the recent reading, about culturally and linguistically responsive practices, as well as non-discriminatory educational, testing, and treatment approaches with diverse populations. These are current issues present in many discussion venues, and we have the opportunity to make a difference in these important areas for current and future generations and societies.

In preparation for this post, you should review at least 2 resources available in the course module or e-reserves for this week.

Initial Post: In your initial post, you should specify which resources you reviewed and then respond to at least 2 of the following prompts:

1. What is the most significant or meaningful thing you learned from these resources?


2. How do these concepts relate to current issues happening in our communities? You can discuss observations, news or other sources of information, or personal experiences.


3. What are some recommendations you have for individuals with disabilities or other exceptionalities, professionals working in related fields, and/or the public towards addressing these issues?


4. What are some recommendations you have for social policies and/or research initiatives towards addressing these issues?