The Michigan Legislature Chose to Strengthen Special Education
OPTIMISE
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The Michigan Legislature Chose to Strengthen Special Education
The Michigan Legislature funded a statewide initiative to strengthen special education and established the OPTIMISE Task Force to guide it.
OPTIMISE is working with hundreds of educators, education leaders and families to turn recommendations into action and improve special education across Michigan.
That work is already making a difference. It has helped expand training for educators and school leaders, streamline credentialing, introduce more people to special education careers and fill open positions in Michigan schools.
OPTIMISE continues to reduce barriers and strengthen Michigan’s special education workforce to better serve individuals with disabilities, Birth to 26 years.
Attract
OPTIMISE attracts future educators by showcasing in-demand special education careers, sharing real job openings across Michigan, & using clear, encouraging messaging that helps students & career changers see education as meaningful work.
Prepare
OPTIMISE better prepares current and future professionals by explaining career pathways, highlighting training & funding options, and outlining practical next steps so interested people can move from curiosity to credentials and readiness.
Retain
OPTIMISE supports retention by studying attrition, advancing practical solutions that improve educators’ work environments, & helping clear barriers so professionals can focus more on student learning and achievement.
• Shailee Patel, MEA • Tina Kerr, MASA • Abby Cypher, MAASE • John Severson, MAISA • Colin Ripmaster, MASSP • Kanika Littleton, Michigan Alliance for Families • Teri Pettit, SEAC • Teri Rink, Director MDE Office of Special Education • Lauren Mangus, MASP • Diane Katakowski, MSHA • Laura Zangara, Mediation Svcs. • Venessa Keesler, Launch Michigan • Rep. Carol Glanville, Michigan Legislature • Amy Phaneuf, MASSW • Kimberly Gillow, MEMSPA • Emma Young | Office of Governor • Christi Edge, Northern Michigan University
The Task Force
The Task Force is identifying barriers to training and entry, studying attrition and practical retention solutions, reviewing preparation programs to streamline pathways into the profession, and examining licensure requirements to make those pathways clearer.
The Core Team
Through ongoing feedback, coordination, and quarterly reporting, the Core Team helps ensure OPTIMISE stays focused on building a stronger, more sustainable workforce to serve individuals with disabilities, Birth to 26 years.
The Action Teams
The Action Teams primary role is to develop very specific recommendations within a relatively narrow focus as determined by the core planning team. The action teams are accountable to the core planning team.
OPTIMISE PARTNERS
