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May 13, 2025
Colton Robinson, a student at Van Buren Tech center, second from left, presents to the State Board of Education during a discussion about transitional services for students who receive special education services.
LANSING – Nearly 75% of surveyed Michigan students who exited high school after receiving special education services and having an individualized education program—better known as an IEP—were enrolled in higher education, competitively employed, or in a postsecondary education or training program last year, State Board of Education members learned during a presentation today.
The 74.8% of youth who accomplished one of those goals within one year of leaving high school was just short of the state’s target of 75.2%.
At the State Board of Education meeting, officials from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Project SEARCH special education transition program that focuses on employment outcomes outlined services provided to the students to help them move from high school to adulthood.
“We want students who receive special education services to be prepared for postsecondary education and employment as they make the transition from high school,” said Dr. Michele Harmala, deputy superintendent for the MDE Division of Educator Excellence, Career and Technical Education, Special Education and Administrative Law. “Effective transition planning occurs when schools and community agencies work together to plan and coordinate providing transition services and supports so students who receive special education services can live independently, support themselves, and realize their life dreams.”
Transition services for students who receive special education services support Goal 4 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to expand secondary learning opportunities for all students; Goal 5, to increase the percentage of all students who graduate from high school; and Goal 6, to increase the percentage of adults with a post-secondary credential.
Colton Robinson, 17, a junior who takes software engineering classes at Van Buren Tech center, shared with board members how transitional services help him academically and in preparing to transition to adulthood. “At Van Buren Tech, skills matter. Not disability,” said Colton, who is legally blind.
Another important metric is the percentage of youth ages 16 and older with an IEP that includes appropriate measurable postsecondary goals, which are age-appropriate goals that articulate the path from high school to adult life, including training, education, employment, and independent living skills. In the 2023-24 school year, the state was at 92.4% compliance for the percentage of IEPs with all the required components for transition planning. In an effort to meet 100% compliance, the MDE Office of Special Education has provided assistance to schools, including encouraging schools to use personal curricula and starting the transition process earlier than age 16.
Enrolling in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs is another way that youth prepare to transition from school to careers. CTE helps students who receive special education services participate in career exploration, focus on future career goals, develop academic and technical skills, and connect with business and industry partners, said Ms. Celena Mills, CTE director for MDE. During the 2023-24 school year, 11,613 students with IEPs participated in CTE. This is an increase of 456 students, or 4% over the last three years.
Ms. Sarah Winslow, statewide program director for Project SEARCH, said the program prepares interns for challenging, complex jobs. “Project SEARCH teaches youth marketable, competitive skills, giving interns a year to build stamina and skills,” she said. “Project SEARCH adds value and diversity to the workforce and community.”
Youth in Project SEARCH work at least 16 hours per week for employers such as Corwell Health. Approximately 130 students participate in the program each year. During the 2022-23 school year, 88% were employed after completing the program.
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