A court decision in California, Larry P. v. Riles (1979) case, ruled in favor of African American students who were disproportionately and wrongly placed in special education (E.M.R. -- educable mentally retarded) classes. Standardized intelligence tests were biased, discriminatory and failed to identify the academic need to support African…

As editors for this special journal, Graves and Woods have compiled a discussion of the accuracy of the labels for Black children. It is exciting that they have brought together a team of scholars to tackle the very specific question posed by Hilliard (1991) and Guthrie (1976/2002) about the validity of IQ testing in regards to accurately and…

Other than being African American, little is known of Larry, the lead plaintiff in the legal case known as "Larry P. v. Riles" in 1971, which banned the use of standardized intelligence testing on African-American students in the State of California. As a result of such intelligence testing, Larry was diagnosed as being mildly mentally…

A little over 35 years have passed since the original "Larry P." decision was handed down in 1979 by Robert Peckham, a federal judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The "Larry P. case" is a shorthand moniker that refers to a class action lawsuit, supported by the Bay Area Association of Black…

Despite the fact that disability has been recognized as "a natural part of the human experience" (Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000) and that the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and its later reauthorizations as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should have served…

The article reviews the significance and implications of Larry P. vs Riles, which found the use of standardized IQ tests on Black children unconstitutional for the purpose of the educable mentally retarded placement unless the court gives prior approval to the testing. (CL)

Recent court decisions concerning the demographics of placement of students in various program tracks are reviewed in three articles. Focus is on special cases involving charges of overrepresentation of minorities in programs for the educably mentally retarded. Implications for school psychology and special education are discussed. (TJH)

The author examines the history and impact of two significant but conflicting legal decisions in cases that challenged the validity and cultural fairness of standardized IQ tests: Larry P. v. Riles (California) and PASE v. Hannon (Illinois). (Editor/SJL)

Discusses two cases in which Black schoolchildren challenged the validity and cultural fairness of standardized, individually administered intelligence tests; Larry P. versus Riles and PASE versus Hannon. Describes the diametrically opposed outcomes of the decisions, highlights important similarities, and critically analyzes each court's reasoning…

The paper examines the continuing overrepresentation of minorities in special education programs for the mildly handicapped and their underrepresentation in programs for the gifted and talented. Alternative policy strategies are presented for advocates and decision makers concerned with reducing the increasing racial and ethnic disparities in…

Advocates for minority students charge that special education placement of racially or culturally different students is unfair because the tests, standardized on white, middle-class children, do not accurately reflect the learning rate or potential achievement level of others. For this reason, reliance on IQ tests for placement of minority…

This paper examines the impact of the court decision in Larry P. versus Riles, which declared that intelligence tests are biased and banned the overrepresentation of African-American children in educable mentally retarded programs. The paper discusses the educational situation of these children, now served in regular programs, and examines…

The report summarizes findings and recommendations of a California Task Force which arose out of a California court decision (Larry P. versus Riles) which prohibits the use of intelligence tests for assessing black pupils to determine their placement in special education programs and requires alternative means of assessment. Seven major…