Alabama has worked diligently to address disproportionality since 2000 in the area of special education

through the initiatives of Lee v. Macon Consent Decree. This Consent Decree requires all special

education programs to address the over representation of African-American students identified as having

mental retardation (MR) and emotional disturbance (ED) and the underrepresentation of

African-American students identified as having a specific learning disability (SLD) and giftedness (GT).

Alabama made significant progress in reducing the disparities and, in December 2006, was granted

unitary status with the provision that the state would continue to provide training to teachers,

administrators, and evaluators with regard to disproportionality. (ALSDE, 2011)

As a result of the Lee v Macon Consent Decree, teachers and administrators

new to Alabama school districts are required to complete the following training

 components:

· Addressing Disproportionality,

· Make Sense Strategies, and

· Positive Behavior Support

MPS has made provisions for teachers and administrators new to the district to

complete the disproportionality training utilizing the Compliance Director.

All certificated employees are strongly encouraged to maintain documentation

of their completion of the mandatory requirement.