| Abstract: | This study analyzed the planning and placement decisions of the Educational Placement and Planning Committees for 973 students in the State of Michigan. An attempt was made to determine if evidence suggesting a socioeconomic bias in placement existed. Data included students from five categories: learning disabled (N = 323), educable mentally impaired (N = 163), emotionally impaired (N = 83), otherwise impaired (N = 70), and nonimpaired (N = 334). No statistically significant differences that would indicate an SES bias were found. However, other factors (sex, age, intelligence, location of district) may contribute substantially to special education placement. Significant agreement was found between school psychologists and teacher consultants with respect to placement decisions. Results are discussed in terms of the apparent absence of any socioeconomic bias in team decision making. |
