MMSD Shows Progress in Special Education Work
The Madison Metropolitan Madison School District (MMSD) is seeing progress in its special education work, particularly in increasing inclusion of students with Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) into general education classrooms.
Between the 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 school years, increases were seen in elementary (89.72% to 93%), middle school (79.59% to 87%) and high school (60.03% to 70%). Furthermore, 83% of MMSD scholars with an IEP are included in general education 80% of the time or more, exceeding the state target of 76%.
“The steady increase at each building level is encouraging,” said Dr. Nancy Molfenter, associate superintendent of student services. “We are seeing results that can be impactful. Research has shown that inclusive environments are critical to a student’s success and better prepares them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities.”
MMSD’s strong transition services, available to students with disabilities as they prepare to move from high school to adult life, are also showing results. Campus Connect, a partnership with Madison College, is the largest such program in the nation, currently serving 44 students. Comparatively, the U.S. average is 17. Additionally, at least 80% of students are earning C’s or better, and more than 40 students in the last 10 years have graduated with a degree. Recently, 37% of post-school outcomes survey respondents noted they had completed at least one semester of college. The state average is 26%.
“We are excited about the progress we have seen, and we know there is room to grow,” Molfenter said. “We continue to look for opportunities to improve our special education services and how we can help students be successful in school and beyond.”
Updates were shared with the Board of Education at its recent meeting. MMSD serves more than 4,100 scholars (ages 3 to 21) with IEP and strategically develops plans to contribute to student success.