What we know about outcomes for EBD

There are numerous alarming statistics that illuminate the problem that exists for past and current EBD students. Some specific data show that…

  • Minnesota labels African American males as EBD at five (5) times the national average.
  • Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD) is one of the only Special Education labels that have an evaluation process that is rooted in subjectivity.
  • African Americans students comprise 17 percent of public schools students but only 3 percent of gifted and talented students; African American males are less than 1 percent.
  • According to federal statistics, about 40 percent of Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD) students become high school dropouts (twice as high as any other special education category).
  • The U.S. Department of Education reports that an African American child is one and a half (1 ½) times more likely to be placed in a classroom for children with emotional disturbances than a white child (Children’s Defense Fund, 2011)
  • A 2012 U.S. Department of Education reports showed the percentage suspended for 1 or 2 days increased from 2% to 11%** and average days absent in a 4-week period increased from 1.9 to 3.1 over a 10 year span.
  • EBD students receive special education services for longer durations than other
  • EBD students are ten (10) times more likely to be involved in the justice system than other special education groups.

Outcomes to Date

KWST began operations  in August of 2018. While our data is limited it is extremely promising as follows:

  • Six (6) former referrals trained and developed into Parent Advocates who are paid to work with new referrals
  • 44 students actively receiving programming which has resulted in fewer suspensions, more time in class, and a reduction in office referrals
  • KWST staff have attended more than 30 meeting to support parents during IEP, disciplinary and progress report meetings.
  • Deeper parent involvement in planning for their students
  • 50 plus students receiving active therapeutic services in home and at school.
  • 25 School staff trained in equity issues, motivational interviewing, implicit bias recognition.
  • Funding from MN Comeback, The Graves Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN.
  • Over 150 backpacks and supplies distributed to students in North Minneapolis.
  • 14 referrals for people of color into the St. Thomas School of Education CUE program.
  • KWST coordinated/moderated a parent led forum for MPS school board candidates (2018)