Paper Summary:

This paper reveals that boys are served more by special education programs than girls and discusses how this may be genuinely due to their differing educational needs. The paper also discusses, however, how teachers may be responsible for giving more attention to boys than girls and this is why they find it easier to identify emotionally disturbed boys. The paper notes that researchers have not yet found differences in state policies with regards to this gender gap in special education. The paper asserts that regardless of limited research on the real reasons of the gender gap in special education, educators are required to pay equal attention to girls and boys in their classrooms.

Outline:
Introduction
Are There Gender Differences to Account for the Gender Gap in Special Education?
Are State Policies Responsible for the Gender Gap in Special Education?
Analysis of the Findings and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Studies on disability have by and large emphasized on commonalities among persons with disabilities instead of addressing gender based differences. This is the reason why there is little known about the different experiences and characteristics of boys and girls with disabilities (Gender as a Factor). It is interesting to note that the problem of the gender gap in special education does not exist in the United States alone. Studies have addressed this topic in relation to the disabled populations in the United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada as well. As a matter of fact, researchers have also noted the differences between the learning needs and academic achievements of boys and girls in the regular classroom. The differences among boys and girls in the regular classroom allow us to infer that boys and girls are, indeed, different in terms of their educational needs and achievements. Hence, the gender gap in special education may exist for a genuine reason."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chapman, A. (2006). Gender Bias in Education. Research Room. Retrieved Nov 25, 2007, from http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/papers/genderbias.html.
• Coutinho, M. J., & Oswald, D. (2005, Jan 1). State variation in gender disproportionality in special education: findings and recommendations. Remedial and Special Education.
• District Rates: Students with Disabilities by Race and Gender. (2004, Oct 1). Massachusetts Department of Education. Retrieved Nov 25, 2007, from http://www.doe.mass.edu/InfoServices/reports/enroll/sped05/rg.pdf.
• Gender as a Factor in Special Education Eligibility, Services, and Results. Retrieved Nov 25, 2007, from http://www.iteachilearn.com/uh/meisgeier/statsgov20gender.htm.
• Sanders, J. (2002, Nov 1). Something Is Missing from Teacher Education: Attention to Two Genders. Phi Delta Kappan.

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