MiPAAC

06/01/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐝𝐨 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

A Disability Scoop article highlights a new federal effort to better understand the true cost of providing special education services across the country.

🔗 Article: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/06/01/how-much-do-schools-spend-on-special-education-feds-aim-to-find-out/

Why does this matter?

Because for decades, policymakers, educators, and families have debated special education funding without consistent national data on what services actually cost.

📈 Student needs continue to grow
📚 IDEA guarantees students a free appropriate public education
💰 Yet funding systems often fail to reflect the real costs of delivering services and supports

In Michigan, this conversation is especially important.

The Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint (MI Blueprint) was developed specifically to address a long-standing challenge: funding systems that are disconnected from student need and actual service costs.

The MI Blueprint recognizes that:

✔ Students require different levels of support
✔ Funding should follow student need
✔ High-cost services require dedicated funding mechanisms
✔ Sustainable systems produce better outcomes for students and schools alike

Understanding the true cost of special education is not simply a budgeting exercise, it is foundational to building a system that is equitable, transparent, and capable of delivering on the promises of IDEA.

📢 Better data leads to better policy.

As national conversations continue about special education spending, Michigan has an opportunity to lead by advancing a funding framework that aligns resources with student needs and supports meaningful outcomes.

Because when funding systems work, students have a greater opportunity to succeed.

For the first time in more than two decades, federal officials are moving forward with plans to find out just how much schools across the nation are spending on students with disabilities.

05/26/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Nearly one-third of teachers nationwide are still using discredited reading methods — reinforcing why Michigan’s current literacy reforms matter.

A recent article from The 74 highlights continued concerns about instructional practices that are not aligned with the science of reading, despite growing research showing the importance of evidence-based literacy instruction for improving student outcomes.

🔗 Read more: https://www.the74million.org/article/report-nearly-one-third-of-teachers-still-use-discredited-reading-methods/

The Michigan Legislature is currently considering bills aimed at strengthening literacy instruction statewide:

✔ HB 5819 — would require districts to use curriculum aligned with research-backed science of reading methods by July 1, 2026

✔ HB 5820 — would require teacher preparation programs to include instruction in evidence-based, science of reading-aligned practices

✔ HB 5821 — would require districts to use elementary reading curriculum from a Michigan Department of Education-approved list

All three bills have now advanced from the House Education & Workforce Committee to the House floor for further consideration.

For students with disabilities, including students with dyslexia and other reading-related learning differences, access to evidence-based literacy instruction is critical.

But implementation matters.

Effective literacy reform requires:
➡️ Adequate training and support for educators
➡️ Strong intervention systems and MTSS alignment
➡️ Early identification and support
➡️ Sustainable funding structures that allow schools to implement reforms with fidelity

This is also why broader systems conversations — including the Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint (MI Blueprint) — are necessary.

Because policy change without implementation capacity does not produce lasting student outcomes.

About 30% of K-3 reading teachers use a 'balanced approach,' including asking kids to figure out words through context clues – a practice banned in some states.

05/19/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐯. 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

📚May 17, 1954 (72 years ago), the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark, unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”

Brown was a defining moment in the fight for educational equity, and its legacy continues today in the ongoing work to ensure all students have access to opportunity, inclusion, and belonging in public education.

The Civil Rights Movement helped pave the way for the Disability Rights Movement, which further advanced the fight to ensure students with disabilities have access to inclusive, adequately supported, and equitable educational opportunities.

Today, in Michigan, too many students with disabilities still face barriers to access, opportunity, and belonging through underfunded systems, segregated placements, staffing shortages, and inequitable access to supports and services.

As we reflect on the anniversary of Brown v. Board, we are reminded that educational equity requires more than access alone. It requires meaningful investment, accountability, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring every student is valued, supported, and able to thrive in their school community.

The work of building truly inclusive public education systems is not finished, and students with disabilities must remain centered in that work.

🔗 Learn more about the case that changed America: https://www.naacpldf.org/brown-vs-board/

Learn more about the impact of the Brown v. Board of Education case which declared the “separate but equal” doctrine unconstitutional, ended segregation in schools, and fueled the civil rights movement.

05/09/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

Last week at the TeachMichigan EmpowerED Weekend conference in Traverse City, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Director of Statewide Education, Heather Eckner, facilitated two sessions of “Funding Shapes Everything” focused on systems change and special education funding reform in Michigan.

Creating real change in education takes more than good ideas — it takes strong systems. These collaborative sessions explored how Michigan’s special education funding structure impacts far more than special education alone, influencing staffing models, class sizes, intervention systems, instructional delivery, behavioral supports, and district decision-making across the entire education system.

Participants engaged in a hands-on design lab experience where educators and leaders:
📊 Examined Michigan demographic and disability trend data
🗺️ Discussed how special education funding flows through local systems
⚠️ Identified pressure points impacting classroom instruction and student support

Grounded in Michigan’s current policy landscape and the Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint (MI Blueprint), the sessions focused on building practical tools for conversations about funding, equity, and long-term systems design.

Because funding shapes everything. And sustainable change requires systems that are built to support every learner.

https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/education-initiatives/mi-blueprint/

05/08/2026

Calling all members:

Apply today to join the Storytelling cohort!

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/Storyteller-Cohort-Apply

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) was one of eleven organizations awarded an accelerator grant from The Skillman Foundation.

As part of this effort, we are inviting a small group of parents (must be a current MiPAAC member) to participate in a Parent–Educator Storytelling Initiative focused on elevating family experiences and helping shape how special education is understood in Michigan.

Through monthly Story Labs, you will work alongside educators to develop and share your story, connect it to broader system challenges, and build confidence speaking in spaces where decisions are made.

This work will also support the implementation of the MI Blueprint, a statewide effort to improve how special education is funded and delivered so it better reflects what students actually need.

Through this experience, you will:

- Develop a clear, compelling story grounded in your experience
- Build shared perspective with educators
- Gain skills to speak in public, media, and policymaker settings

Participants will also have opportunities to share their stories through writing, community engagement, and conversations with decision-makers.

Sessions will take place on the third Thursday of each month, from May through October, from 6:30-8:00pm ET, creating a consistent space to connect, learn, and share.

A stipend will be made available for cohort participants.

If you’re interested in helping ensure family voices are heard and reflected in this work, we’d love to have you involved.

Complete this Google form by 5:00 PM Friday | May 8, 2026 to apply for the Parent–Educator Storytelling Initiative: https://tinyurl.com/Storyteller-Cohort-Apply

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions: [email protected].

05/06/2026

Michigan has a rare chance to fix special education funding once and for all.

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint is a research-based, community-informed plan to better align funding with the real needs of students with disabilities.

By advancing a weighted funding model, it directs more resources to students who need the most support and helps schools implement what works.

Add your name now to urge the Legislature to implement the MI Blueprint and finally build a system where every student with a disability receives the resources they need to succeed—no matter their ZIP code.

Take action here: https://tinyurl.com/MI-Blueprint-Support

05/02/2026

📍 We were in Traverse City tonight!

Families, advocates, and community partners are coming together for our Community Gatherings: Understanding Your Rights in Special Education — an evening grounded in access, opportunity, and advocacy for every child.

Hosted by the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) and MiPAAC, this space is all about building knowledge, connection, and collective impact.

It was great to be at Northern Michigan College alongside:
Michigan Alliance for Families
Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency

🌍 And we’re just getting started!

AAoM is working to bring Community Gatherings to each of Michigan’s 10 prosperity regions, ensuring families across the state have access to information, support, and advocacy opportunities.

🔗 Explore the map: https://tinyurl.com/MI-Prosperity-Regions

Want to collaborate to host a Community Gathering in your area? Reach out to: [email protected]

04/30/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐋𝐏𝐏 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

Grateful to be in community today at the Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Policy Forum: Working to Fulfill the Promise of Democracy in America — a powerful discussion grounded in both urgency and possibility.

The keynote from Natalie Foster and the panel discussion challenged us to think deeply about how we come together to chart a course forward. One rooted in shared vision, collective action, and systems change.

A message that stayed with me came from Monique Stanton:
➡️ This is a difficult moment. The backlash is real.
➡️ But that makes it even more important to protect the freedoms and democracy so many have fought for, while continuing to envision and build a better future together.

The dual responsibility, to defend and to reimagine, feels especially relevant in education policy right now.

Progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we stay grounded in community, committed to equity, and focused on long-term systems change. Progress doesn't happen without demand. We must be the ones to call for and activate the needed change.

04/28/2026

We're excited to share that the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) has been selected as part of The Skillman Foundation’s new Accelerator Grant cohort supporting collaboration across the Detroit and Michigan education ecosystem!

AAoM (through ) will partner with Teach Plus Michigan on a joint storytelling initiative that brings educator and family voices together in support of policies that better serve students with disabilities.

We know meaningful systems change happens when families, educators, advocates, and communities work together, not in silos.

Collaboration is how we build stronger, more equitable schools.

This investment helps advance work deeply connected to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, strengthening public understanding, and building momentum for reforms like the Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint.

Grateful to Skillman for investing in partnerships that center students and families, and for recognizing that education change requires both policy and people power.

The 2025 Education Changemakers Summit left attendees energized with ideas. As a result, the Foundation introduced Accelerator Grants to fuel new partnerships.

04/28/2026

Please join us in thanking Sara Grezlik for her many contributions as an Education Intern with the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) and MiPAAC.

Over the past year, Sara has brought compassion, dedication, and a strong data-driven lens to advancing systems change for students with disabilities across Michigan.

As Sara's internship concludes, we’re grateful for all that she brought to AAoM and excited to see the impact she’ll continue to make as she begins her Master of Social Work (MSW) program this Fall.

Thank you for being a valued part of our team, Sara!