This article examines the root causes for the overrepresentation of African American students in special education classes and their under representation in gifted and talented programs in America’s public schools. The article (a) provides a historic overview of the legal struggles for educational equity, (b) examines key issues surrounding the academic status of African American students, (c) discusses multicultural education as a remedy, and (d) recommends an appropriate course of action for educators and policy makers.
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