Heather Eckner News Today

Early childhood education presents a golden opportunity to set up children living with autism for academic success.

On Friday November 17, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) will host a conference, “Navigating Autism Today” at the Grand Valley State University Pew Campus L.V. Eberhard Center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

According to the CDC, one in 36 people in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum, and although awareness and resources have increased over the years, many families feel more needs to be done.

On Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law the largest K-12 school budget in the state’s history for the 2024 fiscal year, with $310 million going toward special education.

Special education budgets in Michigan this school year increased by $246 million with a change to the special education funding formula last summer.

Special education budgets in Michigan this school year increased by $246 million with a change to the special education funding formula last summer.

Special education budgets in Michigan this school year increased by $246 million with a change to the special education funding formula last summer.

The bipartisan bills could make a meaningful difference for students.

A new poll finds that 85% of Michigan parents want state leaders to create a plan to address learning loss stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure all students catch up to current grade level. The poll, conducted by New York-based Global Strategy Group and released Thursday by the education advocacy group Education Trust-Midwest, found nearly half of Michigan parents say the quality of teaching and instruction their children receive is worse amid the crisis and 83% said state lead...