FAQ About PsychoEd (6)

A teenager I know vandalized the school, but when he was considered for special education they said he was "socially maladjusted" and refused to help!  Why?

Under federal law -- and most state laws -- students who are found to be socially maladjusted do not qualify for special education unless they are also found to be "emotionally disturbed." A number of educators and educational organ-izations have challenged this bifurcation of students with problems, however, claiming that it is often very difficult to make the distinction between ED and socially maladjusted children. Guidelines are deficient or lacking, so most special education committees form their own policies. Socially maladjusted students therefore receive little educational support, and many drop out and take to the streets.

I have heard that minorities are over-represented in special education, and that goes for those who are "emotionally disturbed" as well as for other categories of disability.  Comment?

Reports of this inequality have been in the press recently, but in fact most special educators and those in youth treatment have recognized the imbalance for years. Yes, minorities and poor students are over-represented in special education generally and more specifically as emotionally disturbed -- and yes, something must be done about it.

In all likehood the situation in the schools and treatment facilities mirrors the inequities in our society. Pointing fingers doesn't help. We need to work together to create a culture that fosters diversity and equality. If we all adopted the values implicit
in the Circle of Courage we would be the better for it.