Which problem describes the overrepresentation of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education?

• A. Underrepresentation
• B. Equitable placement
• C. Overrepresentation
• D. No representation

Answer: (C)

The main concept being tested is overrepresentation in special education, which happens when culturally and linguistically diverse students are identified for special education at higher rates than their share of the general student population. This describes a disparity in identification and placement, not a shortage or fair distribution. Reasons this occurs include biased assessments, language differences that are misread as disabilities, and referral patterns that favor certain groups. So when a problem describes more students from diverse backgrounds entering special education than would be expected, the term overrepresentation is the best fit. It’s not underrepresentation (fewer than expected), not equitable placement (fair distribution), and not no representation (zero identification).