Michigan is the only state in the U.S. that needs intervention for its special education programs in its schools, according to the US Department of Education.
According to the federal department, Michigan failed to meet the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The report indicates that the state’s drop out rate for students with disabilities was 29% - well over the federal benchmark for Michigan of just over 8%.
The state’s graduation rates for students with disabilities was similarly short of the federal benchmark - 63% compared to the desired 80%.
Mark Moody is with the Department of Counseling and Special Education at Central Michigan University.
“I would say there’s reason for concern. But I think we’ve taken steps already to start to address some of these things. I don’t think this came as a shock to anyone in the field.”
A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Education declined to comment, saying the department is in the process of reviewing the report.
The US Department of Education also declined to comment saying quote “we’re letting the contents of the letter and other documents speak for themselves.”