The Struggle for Special Education in Michigan
Andrea Lee, a former special education teacher, thought she had a good understanding of the system that should support her children with disabilities. However, after filing over two dozen complaints and four legal grievances against the Howell Public Schools, she has come to realize just how difficult it can be to ensure her children receive the education they are legally entitled to.
Lee’s journey began when she noticed that her three children were not receiving the necessary services, including adequate progress reports and make-up education for one child. She also felt excluded from key decision-making processes regarding their education plans. As a teacher, she believed in the system, but over time, this trust was eroded by what she describes as a “gradual takedown brick by brick.”
Her experience is not unique. In Michigan, parents of nearly 212,000 students with disabilities face similar challenges. Since 2018, state investigations into parent complaints have increased by 21%, while the number of special education students has only grown by 3.6%. This discrepancy highlights a growing concern among advocates that the system is failing these students.
Michigan has one of the highest rates of special education dropouts in the country, and many parents feel they must fight for the services their children need. Experts like Marcie Lipsitt, a long-time advocate, warn that the situation could worsen if federal support for special education is reduced. President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education could impact funding and protections for disabled students.
Lee described several issues with the district last school year, including challenges with her 16-year-old child who struggles with reading fluency and generalized anxiety, and her twin 14-year-olds, one with autism and the other with reading difficulties. While the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) found some violations, others did not result in action. Lee has lost faith in the district and is preparing to file a lawsuit.
Howell Public Schools maintains that it is committed to supporting all students and working with parents. The district claims it follows all state and federal requirements, as evidenced by previous state decisions recognizing its efforts.
How the Complaint Process Works
The complaint process in Michigan involves several steps, including informal discussions, facilitated meetings, mediation, state complaints, due process complaints, and federal complaints. However, each path comes with its own challenges.
State complaints are free, but advocates argue that the MDE does not always ensure districts correct themselves after a violation is found. Due process complaints, on the other hand, can be expensive, with costs ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 per student. Federal complaints take longer and are becoming even slower due to staff cuts.
For parents like Lee, the financial burden makes it difficult to pursue legal action. “No David ever decides to pick a fight with Goliath just because they’re bored,” she said. “But unfortunately, when justice is sleeping and desperate behavior roams, little David has to pick up his proverbial stone and aim.”
The Scope of the Problem
When parents feel their child is not getting the proper support, they may pay out-of-pocket for services or even withdraw their child from the public school system. The state graduation rate for students with disabilities is significantly lower than for all students, highlighting the challenges faced by this group.
Bernadette Minaudo, a parent of a child with multiple disabilities, pulled her son from Fenton Public Schools after feeling the staff misunderstood his needs. She emphasized that without accountability, no county would be better.
The MDE defends itself, stating it has mechanisms in place to track and monitor corrective actions. However, advocates say the real work happens after the initial resolution, requiring ongoing training and monitoring to prevent future issues.
A Longstanding Issue
A decade ago, Gov. Rick Snyder created the Special Education Reform Task Force to address concerns about the dispute process. The final report highlighted the need for more affordable and effective options for families. However, despite progress in other areas, the dispute process has not improved, according to former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.
Calley criticized the structure of the MDE, saying it is “literally structured in our constitution to not work.” The MDE responded that the recommendation referred to the due process complaint process, which it does not administer.
Advocates and Parents Face Barriers
Parents like Lee often face barriers in the system, including being excluded from key decisions, not receiving adequate compensatory services, and receiving incomplete progress reports. Liz Abdnour, an attorney representing parents, said these issues are common.
She noted that while the state complaint process is parent-friendly, the MDE does not always properly oversee corrective action plans. Due process complaints require legal representation, which is costly and often unattainable for many families.
Jan Lampman, an advocate through the Michigan Alliance for Families, said communication gaps can make it difficult for parents to effectively advocate for their children. She encourages parents to focus on how their child’s disability affects their ability to access general education.
What Now?
School and state leaders point to a gap between the funding provided for special education and the actual costs. The state allocated $500,000 to research full funding for special education, with recommendations expected by the end of October.
Additionally, schools continue to face teacher shortages, particularly in special education. A recent report found that many districts have more than 10% of their special education positions vacant.
Lampman suggests that the MDE could play a more active role in helping districts find solutions, especially for small districts struggling with specific disabilities. Eckner emphasized the need to raise expectations for the outcomes of students with disabilities in Michigan.
As the system continues to face challenges, parents like Lee remain determined to fight for their children’s rights. They hope that by sharing their stories, others will know they have the power to challenge what school districts decide.