Autism Alliance response as Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan’s High School Graduation Rate Reaches a Record High
Publication date: February 24, 2025
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) applauds the announcement by Gov. Whitmer regarding the state’s record high graduation rate. Sadly, Michigan’s 200,000 students with disabilities are not included in this achievement.
While the state’s graduation rate for students without disabilities was 86 percent, the rate for students with disabilities was just 61 percent – a gap of 25 percentage points.
Regarding students with disabilities, Michigan has the opportunity to improve one of the lowest graduation rates and largest graduation rate gaps of any state in the nation.(1)
As reported in the Detroit News back in July 2023, Michigan has third lowest graduation rate in nation for students with disabilities.
“This is a call to action – Michigan must do better for students with disabilities,” said Heather Eckner, Director of Statewide Education for the Autism Alliance of Michigan. “We need strong leadership in our state willing to confront honest information about the evidence of outcomes for ALL students in our public schools. And, we need the courage to act with a sense of urgency.”
AAoM calls on Gov. Whitmer along with state leaders to address the dismal graduation rate of students with disabilities.
Recommended activities include:
- Establish aggressive multi-year graduation goals designed to close the gap between students with disabilities and those without disabilities;
- Institute an early warning system to better identify and address the needs of students with disabilities;
- Provide additional resources to the state’s parent center and disability organizations to support parent-focused activities.
References:
(1) https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_219.46.asp
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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