What does the term "overidentification" refer to?

The term "overidentification" specifically refers to the phenomenon where an excessive number of students are identified as needing special education services, often due to various biases or systemic issues in the assessment and identification processes. This can lead to a disproportionate representation of certain groups of students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, in special education programs. It implies that students may be placed in special education settings not solely based on their individual needs, but rather due to factors such as cultural misunderstandings, socioeconomic status, or a lack of appropriate interventions in general education settings. Thus, the correct understanding of overidentification accurately captures these dynamics and the implications for educational equity and resource allocation.