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.

In this episode of Field Notes, guest host and past president Lauren Eardley sits down with our new president, Kirsten Myers, to explore her presidential theme: United Today, Stronger Tomorrow.

They discuss what it means to be united as an intentional community of special education leaders, leveraging a collective voice to overcome the isolation that often comes with the role. The conversation goes deeper, addressing the responsibility of building a "stronger tomorrow" by moving beyond the status quo, challenging ableism, and advocating for meaningful outcomes for students, families, and staff.

Kirsten and Lauren share personal stories about their leadership journeys, how they overcame initial intimidation, and how the relationships and collaborative courage within MAASE have shaped them. This episode is a call to action for every member to contribute their voice, ensuring that no one leads alone and that together, the community can advance what should be.