Exploring Secondary Special Education for Mild Mental Impairment: A Program in Search of Its Place

Overview & Synopsis

This study explored the current state of secondary special education in Michigan, focusing on students with mild mental impairment (MMI) and learning disabilities (LD). A survey was mailed to 378 secondary special education teachers. The survey asked questions pertaining to demographic data, curricular approaches and instructional environments, provider satisfaction and perceived effectiveness, and teacher preparation and professional development. Six findings were revealed: (a) lack of secondary experiences in preservice preparation; (b) low levels of vocational education for students with MMI and LD; (c) differential instructional environments and curriculum depending on size of district; (d) low rates of inclusion; (e) lower levels of satisfaction for programs for students with MMI; and (f ) the need for curriculum for students with MMI.