A Search for Variables Affecting Underidentification of Behaviorally Disordered Students

Abstract

Recently, several factors possibly contributing to underidentification and underservice to students with behavioral disorders have been suggested. The present study sought to examine the variable of average per pupil expenditure, size of minority population, and learning disabilities service level across states designated as high behavioral disorders service states and low behavioral disorders service states. Results show that no statistically significant difference between these two groups of states was found on any of the three variables examined. While a wide range of variability (.03 to 3.09%) in service level to students with behavioral disorders was found among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, the analysis does not support any of the variables tested as explanations for the observed variability. Finally, implications of the findings of the study and possible explanations for the observed variability are discussed.