This guidance document is designed to assist districts in meeting the IDEA
Part B and MARSE requirements in support of Governor Whitmer's Executive Order
2020-35.

The purpose of this document is to build awareness and assist districts in developing a deeper understanding of one of the most important concepts involved in discipline protections afforded to students with disabilities.

This document provides guidance on counting disciplinary removals for students who are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

When considering eligibility for a student who has challenging behaviors, questions often arise regarding the presence of a social maladjustment or characteristics of a social maladjustment. Multidisciplinary evaluation teams are encouraged to utilize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) requirements for emotional impairment.

A manifestation determination review (MDR) is an individual entitlement, for a student with an individualized education program (IEP), who has experienced a change of placement due to a violation of a district’s code of student conduct.

Michigan's 2020 performance data for students with an individualized education program (IEP) are now available, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

These data provide districts and communities an opportunity to see what is working well in special education for children and students from ages 3 through 21, and to identify what aspects need improvement. Reporting areas include Graduation, Dropout, Statewide Assessment, and Parent Involvement.

Information and justification forms.

Find ways for parents and schools to problem solve about special education issues.

Find information about determining a student’s eligibility for special education programs and services.

The MARSE are the Michigan rules to follow when implementing special education laws.

Michigan submits a State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) to the U.S. Department of Education each year. The SPP/APR shows Michigan’s progress on each federal special education indicator and outlines the plan for the future.

Many offices and organizations outside of the OSE support students with disabilities. Look through the different supports for students with disabilities for help from other sources.

The MI-SER is a database of federal and state special education law and policy information and resources.

Sign-up to receive email announcements from the Office of Special Education.