In less than a year Michigan has successfully trained over 4,600 paraeducators through a powerhouse initiative that is officially setting a new national standard. In this high energy episode of Field Notes Abby Cypher joins Cheryl-Marie Manson and Karlie Parker to reveal the exact framework they used to move the needle from critical vacancies to a system of support that actually works.

Learn how this state funded model provides high level training for free while also awarding $100 back to districts for every participant who completes the program. This is more than just a local win it is a scalable revolution featuring specialized tracks for early childhood transition and transportation launching on February 19.

If you are looking for a real solution to staffing shortages and student success you cannot afford to miss this conversation about these 4,600 success stories. Find out why leaders across the country are already asking how Michigan achieved these record breaking results so quickly.

Quick Links:

• Become A Trainer
• Find A Training Near You
• MAASE's Certified Training Resources [MEMBERS ONLY]
• K12 Article, "Teacher Shortages Hinder Special Education Progress. What Are The Solutions?"

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Field Notes gathers a multi-generational panel of MAASE leaders—including Past, Current, and Vice Presidents, alongside respected MAASE legacy leaders Tom and Deb Koepke and Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain.

This emotional and insightful conversation explores the profound transformation of special education in Michigan and nationwide:

Before IDEA: Guests share firsthand, often difficult stories of the era before the law's passage, when access to education was denied, and services often occurred in church basements or led to institutionalization. Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain shares the powerful story of her sister, Cookie.

The Evolution of Practice: Legacy leaders discuss how IDEA mandates—like the IEP and required training—shifted special education from being a place to a service. Deb Koepke highlights the profound impact of programs like START and the shift away from segregation.

Access vs. Belonging: The panel reflects on the evolution of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), shifting the focus from location (which room or building) to ensuring authentic experiences and true belonging for every student.

The Next 50 Years: Current MAASE leaders discuss strengthening IDEA's civil rights foundation through collaboration, innovation rooted in neuroscience and co-regulation, and fighting for sustainable funding to move beyond compliance to a culture of belonging. The panel concludes with a shared wish for the future: that inclusion is simply who we are.

In this episode of Field Notes, Executive Director Abby Cypher sits down with former State Representative, Sheryl Kennedy, to explore the complex journey of the Michigan State School Aid Budget. They discuss what it means for schools to navigate the revenue reality as Sheryl, who has seen the budget process from every side (teacher, principal, legislator, and MDE staff), walks through this year's timeline, from the Governor's February proposal to the final October signature.

The conversation goes deeper, addressing the real-world impact of delays, the difference between per pupil funding and categoricals (like funding for special education), and the challenges when budgets are rushed. Sheryl and Abby use concrete examples, including the need to protect funding for Project SEARCH, to highlight why partnership and advocacy within the process matters. This episode is a call to action for every special education leader to become an informed advocate, ensuring that decisions made in Lansing truly advance meaningful outcomes for Michigan students and schools.