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The Department has moved to 135 Santilli Highway in Everett. The Department's office and Licensure Welcome Center are open. The new location has free parking and is a short walk from the Wellington station on the MBTA's Orange Line.
Special Education

Significant Disproportionality

The purpose of this webpage is to assist school districts and other interested parties in understanding the requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) pertaining to significant disproportionality in special education identification, placement, and discipline with regarding to race or ethnicity (see 34 CFR §§ 300.646–300.647), including:

  • how the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) calculates the risk ratios used in identifying significant disproportionality;
  • how districts are identified as having significant disproportionality;
  • fiscal responsibilities for identified districts;
  • supports for districts and the students affected by the disproportionality; and
  • general significant disproportionality resources.

Last Updated: January 24, 2023

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

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Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.