Michigan Advance

Members of the State Board of Education on Tuesday voted unanimously to convene a committee to examine special education programs in Michigan and to work with stakeholders to review statewide needs. The committee was proposed by Board of Education President Pamela Pugh, who will serve as its chair, and was supported by members of the board during its June 9 meeting. The committee will focus on identifying best practices, promising potential outcomes, elevating stakeholder perspectives and, hopefully, support efforts to improve special education services across Michigan.

Pugh said the plan was to work closely with the Michigan Department of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenn Maleyko. The department will offer input and guidance to the committee for information-gathering purposes and meeting planning. Additionally, the board and the department plan to take the committee on the road, with an intended meeting schedule at schools to include students, but also families, educators, advocates and school district officials. Advisory groups, education experts and organizations like the Special Education Advisory Committee and Autism Alliance Michigan will also be included in the effort to seek stakeholder input.