Data

Data Overview

The Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) supports Indiana schools and districts in understanding and using disproportionality data required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Each year, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) conducts the official analysis of disproportionality in identification, placement, discipline, and alternate assessment participation. 

CELL’s Indiana Disproportionality Resource Center (IDRC) does not produce the state’s calculations. Instead, IDRC provides expert guidance to help districts interpret their state-reported results and use those results to strengthen policies, procedures, and local decision-making. 

Districts may contact CELL’s IDRC for consultation on how to read their data, understand federal requirements, and consider next steps for continuous improvement. 

Through IDRC, CELL assists districts by: 

  • Explaining IDEA’s disproportionality calculations and requirements 
  • Helping teams understand their official state results 
  • Providing tools and processes for reviewing policies and procedures 
  • Supporting discussions about contributing factors to identified patterns 
  • Advising on steps that strengthen accurate identification and placement decisions 

CELL’s role is to build district capacity to use data effectively and consistently. 

Understanding disproportionality data helps districts: 

  • Identify patterns in identification, placement, and discipline 
  • Strengthen local referral and evaluation practices 
  • Ensure consistency in decision-making across schools 
  • Identify areas where procedures may benefit from review 
  • Support improved student outcomes over time

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), states must monitor participation in alternate assessments to ensure compliance with the federal 1% cap. IDOE conducts these reviews annually. 

CELL’s IDRC provides consultation to help districts: 

  • Understand the state’s calculations 
  • Interpret participation patterns 
  • Strengthen decision-making processes related to assessment pathways 

District teams typically use their data to: 

  • Review multi-year trends 
  • Discuss potential contributing factors 
  • Identify procedural or training needs 
  • Monitor progress related to specific action steps 

CELL’s IDRC offers tools, expertise, and consultation to help districts use data in ways that support accurate identification and effective practices.