“A Comparative Exploration of IDEA Racial Equity Policy to Inform Research, Policy, and Practice” is a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) under the Systems, Policy, and Finance program and the Exploration goal. This four-year mixed methods project aims to deepen our understanding of how current policies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) relate to racial inequities in special education, focusing on one of the most pressing issues in special education today: racial disproportionality in special education placements and exclusionary discipline practices.

Working with state and local education agencies in California, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin, we are investigating the structural, social, and contextual factors driving these disparities. Ultimately, we seek to bridge the gap between empirical research and policy analysis, contributing to a more equitable educational environment for historically underserved students with disabilities.

Key objectives of the project include:

1. Examine Structural, Social, and Contextual Factors: Identify how these factors moderate and mediate the presence of racial disproportionality in special education.

2. Analyze Policy and Practice Interactions: Investigate how current IDEA policies impact the equitable treatment of racialized and minoritized students and generate hypotheses for improving educational outcomes.

3. Inform Future Research and Policy: Provide a roadmap for refining policy mechanisms and integrating effective practices to address racial inequities.

Through this work, we aim to provide meaningful insights that inform research, policy, and practice—paving the way for a more just and inclusive educational system.