Michigan Special Education Benchmark Report

The 2025 Benchmark Report marks the state’s first unified look at how students with disabilities are being served in public schools–arriving at a pivotal moment, fifty years after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law. Michigan invests around $3 billion annually in special education, yet outcomes remain uneven and often trail national averages. This report establishes a baseline to measure progress and identify where improvement is most urgent. This Benchmark Report is both a reflection and a call to action so Michigan can ensure that every student with a disability has access to a high-quality, inclusive education and the opportunity to thrive.