A Comparative Exploration of IDEA Racial Equity Policy to Inform Research, Policy, and Practice

"A Comparative Exploration of IDEA Racial Equity Policy to Inform Research, Policy, and Practice” is a four-year initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences. Focusing on California, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin, the research aims to address racial disproportionality in special education and exclusionary discipline practices. By analyzing how current policies are understood and implemented by various stakeholders and affect racialized and minoritized students, the study seeks to uncover the structural, social, and contextual factors driving inequities and provide insights to improve educational outcomes for historically underserved learners with disabilities. The findings will inform future research and policy changes to promote more equitable education systems.