Michigan Department of Education

Michigan students with disabilities are achieving higher graduation rates, and we’re committed to building on that progress.

Over the past decade, the four-year graduation rate for students receiving special education services increased from 57.1% to 62.1%. Students who spend more time learning alongside their peers in general education settings continue to see stronger outcomes.

At this week’s State Board of Education meeting, the Michigan Department of Education acknowledged there is more work to do and shared plans to strengthen collaboration with local school districts, educators, families, and community partners to improve services that puts all students first.

Every Michigan student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for future education, employment, and independence.

Learn more about MDE’s ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.


https://go.mi.gov/7ahwv2666

Michigan Department of Education to Continue to Award Blue Ribbon

Details About 2026 Program Shared at Today’s State Board of Education Meeting

LANSING – High-performing schools in the state will continue to be honored for their outstanding work through 2026 Michigan Blue Ribbon Schools awards from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

MDE officials discussed the process and timeline for selecting the schools during today’s State Board of Education meeting.

School teams can complete eligibility documentation through June that will be reviewed throughout the summer. Recognized schools will be announced in the fall, with awards being presented during the November State Board of Education meeting.

“We’re excited about continuing to honor Michigan Blue Ribbon Schools,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “It is one of many strategies to recognize local schools for their achievements that put Students First.”

The Michigan Blue Ribbon Schools program will recognize schools in two categories, which are:

Exemplary High-Performing Schools​. This category aligns with past U.S. Department of Education criteria for math and English language arts (ELA) proficiency ​and identifies school performance in the top 15% of schools statewide, with each student group performance in the top 40% statewide​.

Bridging the Gap Schools. This category recognizes meaningful gap closure using existing data from the Michigan School Index accountability system and approved methodology​. Identified schools in this category are closing achievement gaps by improving math and ELA proficiency for their lowest- performing student populations.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools program was established in 1982 to annually recognize high-performing schools.​ Each year, Michigan has nominated up to 13 schools. Before last year, nominated schools completed the U.S. Department of Education application and traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive an award​.

However, last year the federal education department discontinued the national program and encouraged states to continue recognizing schools.​ In November 2025, MDE responded and recognized 16 Blue Ribbon Schools at a state board meeting.

Presenting information about 2026 Blue Ribbons Schools plans were Dr. Delsa Chapman, deputy superintendent, MDE Division of Assessment, School Improvement, and System Supports; Dr. ​Jen Saylor, director, of MDE’s Office of Curriculum and Instruction​; Eric Lipinski, accountability specialist in the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability; and Rashell Bowerman, consultant, Office of Curriculum and Instruction​.

More information is available on the Michigan Blue Ribbon Schools webpage https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/school-performance-supports/accountability/michigan-blue-ribbon-schools