In March, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Special Education spent four days visiting programs across Ingham County as part of a Capacity Building and Improvement monitoring effort.
The visit provided an opportunity for state leaders to observe classrooms, meet educators and administrators, and learn more about the systems supporting students with disabilities across the region.
Throughout the visit, MDE representatives highlighted several areas of progress and impact.
Among them were strong transition programs that help students prepare for life after high school. Programs like Skills for Adult Independent Living (SAIL) and Project SEARCH provide young adults with hands-on experiences in employment, independent living, and community engagement.
These programs combine classroom instruction with real-world experiences such as job training and workplace immersion, helping students develop skills that prepare them for independent and meaningful futures.
MDE leaders also noted the continued growth of inclusive PreK classrooms across the county—an important step toward ensuring students of all abilities learn together from an early age.
Beyond the programs themselves, state representatives emphasized the people behind the work.
Special education coaches, Peer-to-Peer programs, and Links Unified Sports initiatives were recognized for helping create inclusive school communities where students support one another and build meaningful relationships.
During the visit, MDE also recognized several staff members from Waverly Community Schools for their commitment to students:
- Bevin Francis
- Tiffany Wright
- Jekeia Murphy
Their work reflects the dedication of educators across the county who consistently go above and beyond to support students with disabilities in inclusive learning environments.
One message from the state visit resonated strongly with local leaders.
“All really does mean all in Ingham County.”
The statement reflects a shared commitment across districts to ensure every student has access to meaningful learning opportunities, supportive environments, and pathways toward independence and success.
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