First Advisor
Sheldon Loman
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership: Special and Counselor Education
Department
Special Education
Language
English
Subjects
English Language Learners, Multilingual learners, Data-based decision making, Instructional practices
Abstract
The study explored the complex problem of practice (POP) of significant disproportionate identification of Latine multilingual learner (ML) students in the special education eligibility category of specific learning disability (SLD). The study employed improvement science as its methodological framework. Integral partners and a leadership team from a rural Oregon district reviewed the literature and used a root cause analysis to identify six causes behind these outcomes. Iterative plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles test with concise data collection, enabling real-time adjustments and improvements within the improvement cycle was used to implement two change ideas. These prioritized change ideas resulted in the implementation of evidence-based practices for MLs within Tier 1 English language development (ELD) and data-based decision making within Tier 1 teaming structures using culturally and linguistically aligned processes. Each improvement cycle aimed to reduce potential areas of bias in the general education to special education process for a Latine ML student and increase access to culturally and linguistically aligned grade level standards and expectations. The research was situated within the broader context of the disproportionate representation of Latine students in SLD in Oregon and across the United States, and improvement efforts can be used as a model for other Oregon districts that aim to make similar changes.
Rights
Copyright 2025 by Erica Gordon
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43717
Recommended Citation
Gordon, Erica, "Rising Tides Lift All Boats: Significant Disproportionate Identification of Latine Students in the Eligibility Category of Specific Learning Disability" (2025). Educational Leadership Professional Doctorate Dissertations. 3.
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/edu_ed_pd/3
Comments
A dissertation in practice submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Special and Counselor Education.