Information on Michigan academic standards and instructional resources.
Learn more about the MDE office responsible for providing leadership in curriculum and instruction that provides students with greater choices to prepare for success.
Resources for educator certification, recognition programs, evaluation, and workforce research.
The Equitable Services Ombudsman helps ensure equitable services for private school children, teachers, and other educational personnel.
Resources related to financial and pupil accounting and auditing.
Options available for Michigan students that provide unique learning opportunities.
Food & Nutrition Programs
This MDE office provides resources and technical assistance in physical education, sex education, health education, behavioral, emotional, mental, and social education as well as safety, discipline, and transportation.
Resources for programs and initiatives that support school improvement efforts.
Resources for supporting special education in Michigan.
Michigan has an innovative and comprehensive system of assessments to measure student achievement in learning our state content standards.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
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Alternative Education is a program operated as a subdivision of the regular K-12 program. It is designed for students who can be better served in an alternative delivery system. Students served include those who have specific needs and are often at risk of not graduating. Alternative Education programs seek to provide added flexibility and alternative instructional models. These often include expanded services from the traditional setting such as online learning, institutional programs, counseling, childcare, and transportation; in an effort to help students overcome barriers and meet the goals of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Alternative Education pupils are funded under the K-12 foundation rate.
Alternative Education is a separate, non-traditional program within a K-12 public school district or a public school academy established to provide personalized educational services for students who:
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) began accepting applications on April 16, 2026, for Alternative Education and Innovative Programs that will operate during the 2026-27 school year. Applications and End-of-Year (EOY) Reports must be submitted prior to June 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Application for Alternative Education Program Waiver
For entities that received an Alternative Education Program (Hours and/or Days) Waiver in 2025-26, please submit the Alternative Education Program EOY Report. The Alternative Education EOY Report is required for entities that were approved for the Alternative Education Program Waiver for 2025-26.
Application for Innovative Program Waiver
For entities that received an Innovative Program (Hours and/or Days) Waiver in 2025-26, please submit the Innovative Program EOY Report. The Innovative Program EOY Report is required for entities that were approved for the Innovative Program Waiver for 2025-26.
