If you are experiencing a staff shortage and recognize the connection to students’ social, emotional, and behavioral concerns, we need your important perspective!
In early 2022, a Task Force, now branded OPTIMISE (https://optimise.education/), was established in the State Aid Act to generate a set of recommendations focused on the
recruitment, preparation, and retention of special educators.
Here’s what we know:
- Special Educator shortages have been a long-standing challenge in Michigan and nationwide, increasing significantly over the past several years.
- As many factors impact educator shortage, making progress in addressing the issues
will require the collective wisdom of various stakeholders. - Behavior, mental health, and trauma support are consistent areas of focus.
Here’s the ask:
- We need diverse perspectives on three action teams:
- Intensive Behavior Support
- Professional Learning in Behavior Science
- Building Behavioral Expertise
- These action teams must have diverse representation and individuals committed to
identifying specific recommendations and representation from across the state. Participants will be selected from the submitted interest surveys.
We ask that individuals and organizations consider disseminating this interest survey to help us recruit potential participants. Action teams will meet on January 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. and on January 17, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza West in Lansing, Michigan. Individuals must be available for both days to participate. OPTIMISE will
cover the cost of the hotel room. More information is available in the interest survey.
If you are interested in participating, please complete the interest survey yourself. Surveys need to be submitted by November 30, 2023. We will confirm participation by mid-December and provide additional information to the selected participants.
