Abstracts Category : Other

Learning Disability Recommendations Differ for Asian American and White American Students

by Jiaxin Jessie Wang

Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are often left out of the conversation surrounding special education because of stereotypes that they are academically successful (e.g., Wing, 2007). Consequently, AAPI students are argued to be overlooked in the variable and highly subjective process of assessments for learning disabilities (e.g., Li & Wang, 2008). Providing the first empirical data, the current research seeks to determine if participants are less likely to recommend Asian American students than White American students for learning disability evaluations. Participants (N = 415) were presented with a hypothetical observational behavioral report that described a student's race (White or Asian) and subject area of difficulty (Reading or Mathematics). Even when presented with identical behavioral reports, participants were less likely to recommend Asian American than White American students for a learning disability evaluation on the basis of student race. Such lack of recommendation, if it occurs in the classroom, could potentially contribute to the underrepresentation of AAPI students in special education. The study provides awareness for educators, researchers, and policymakers on the underrepresentation of AAPI students with learning disabilities due to the lack of recommendation for learning disability evaluations, and could increase identification and support for AAPI students with learning disabilities. ( en )