Michigan Special Education Experience Survey – Report to the Community

Report reveals Michigan’s special education system fails to meet student and family needs

Publication date: October 24, 2024

Press Release: Michigan Special Education Experience Survey – Report to the Community

Nine years after the statewide taskforce recommended reforms, Autism Alliance of Michigan survey shows no improvements in special education.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Autism Alliance of Michigan today announced the release of their Special Education Experience Survey Report, which clearly shows the disparities and barriers students with disabilities and their parents experience while navigating Michigan’s education system.

“Michigan’s public education system is meant to provide a pathway for all students, including those with disabilities. Our report shows that, in many cases, this is not happening in the way it should,” said Heather Eckner, director of statewide education at AAoM. “The families who completed this survey deserve to be heard. Our report highlights the frustrations and even trauma they’ve experienced as part of their efforts to acquire, or help their children acquire, fundamental skills through public education.”

As the first survey since the Michigan Special Education Reform Task Force issued recommendations for changes and improvements to the special education system in 2015, the SEE survey shows there has been no improvements in key areas over the past nine years.

The report identified the top concerns for students with disabilities and their families, which include:

• School funding and resources are not adequate and equitable.
• The special education workforce shortage is affecting students.
• Students with disabilities are not spending enough time with nondisabled peers in the least restrictive environment.
• Schools are not identifying disabilities early enough, preventing students from becoming eligible for special education services as early as possible.
• Schools are not engaging sufficiently with parents and their students.

“Our report shows the need for better education policies, instructional practices, and other system-wide changes,” said Colleen Allen, Ph.D., president and CEO of AAoM. “These findings reinforce the importance of preparing students for independent living while addressing systemic barriers to ensure accessible, high quality and inclusive education.”

Through its findings, AAoM hopes to inform policymakers and school officials while driving change to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for students with disabilities across the state.

“The survey is a snapshot of the collective voice of our core constituents, which are families,” Eckner said. “We want to share these insights to promote increased opportunities and improved outcomes for kids with disabilities across the state.”

With almost 900 responses from families and students about their experience within the special education system, the survey results align with AAoM priorities: to drive systemic change in Michigan’s education system by elevating lived experiences, identifying barriers and amplifying the voices of parents and students with disabilities.

“We hope that the Michigan Department of Education and state legislature will consider these findings and be open to increased partnership so that we can work together to improve outcomes for the state’s disability community,” Eckner said.

By the Numbers

• 51% of parents of K-12 students with disabilities responded that their child’s disabilities should have been identified sooner.
• 28% of parents of K-12 students with disabilities said their child does not spend enough time with nondisabled peers.
• 15% of parents of K-12 students with disabilities said their child spends NO time with nondisabled peers.
• 41% of parents of K-12 students with disabilities wanted to be more involved in the development of their child’s individualized education program.
• 51% of parents of K-12 students with disabilities disagreed that the school has the proper resources to support their child’s needs, with 21% saying they “strongly disagree.”

About the Autism Alliance of Michigan 

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is a 501(c)(3) organization serving as a trusted ally and partner for thousands of families across the state. AAoM’s mission is to lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people connected to autism across their lifespan. The organization’s Education pillar drives initiatives that address systemic barriers to education, focuses on student-centered advocacy, and educates families on related topics – working towards its goal to make Michigan a top 10 state for special education outcomes. For help finding resources, providers and information contact our AAoM Navigators at 877-463-2266 (AAOM) or email at navigator@aaomi.org. More information about AAoM’s Education pillar can be found at www.autismallianceofmichigan.org/education-initiatives.

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Read the SEE Survey report here: bit.ly/AAOM-SEE