WILX

Michigan education officials are expanding efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. The Michigan Department of Education said recent gains in graduation rates and other performance measures demonstrate progress, but officials say additional work is needed to ensure students with disabilities receive the support necessary to succeed in school and beyond. State data shows the four-year graduation rate for students with disabilities reached about 62% during the 2024-25 school year, a 5% increase from the 2014-15 school year. The department also found that students with disabilities who spent at least 80% of their school day in general education settings graduated at a significantly higher rate. Those students posted a graduation rate of 68.5% during the 2024-25 school year. The findings are helping shape the department’s strategy moving forward, with officials emphasizing stronger collaboration between general and special education programs.