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Special Education
Special Education
Join Our Team!
The MDE Office of Special Education is hiring. Check out our job openings by selecting the link below.
Information Line
Do you have a question related to special education? Call 888-320-8384*
* Interpreter services in several languages are available.
Parent Resources
Information about special education for parents and families.
Procedural Safeguards
Schools must provide notice to parents about the protections and rights for their
children with disabilities.
OSE Spotlight
Independent Educational Evaluation
An independent educational evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the district responsible for the education of the student. This document provides an overview of the federal and state requirements for conducting an IEE.
Clarification on Guidelines for Participation in MI-Access
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) and the Office of Education Achievement and Accountability (OEAA) are issuing a joint memo to provide clarification for individualized education program (IEP) teams regarding guidelines for participation in MI-Access, Michigan’s statewide alternate assessment.
IDEA 2023 Public Reporting Data Available
Michigan's 2023 performance data for students with an individualized education program (IEP) are now available, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The 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.
Updated Procedure for Tiered Corrective Action and TA for Districts with Multiple State Complaint Findings
This document outlines the procedure for MDE OSE collaboration with ISDs when it is necessary to provide intensive support to individual member districts following repeated findings through the state complaint process.
IEP Team Consideration of the Need for ESY Services Guidance Available
This extended school year (ESY) guidance document and form will assist ISDs and LEAs with IDEA compliance and IEP development.
Determination of Eligibility for MMSE Deaf or Hard of Hearing Guidance Available
The Determination of Eligibility for Michigan Mandatory Special Education (MMSE) for Infants and Toddlers, Birth to Age Three, Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) guidance document is now available.
The document helps promote the appropriate identification and qualification of infants and toddlers, aged birth to three, who are eligible for MMSE in addition to being eligible for Early On® services.
Building Capacity - Improving Outcomes
How the Office of Special Education supports the Michigan Department of Education's Mission, Vision, and Top 10 Strategic Plan.
The Path Forward Strategic Action Plan
An outcome-focused plan to bring about systemic change to support post-school success for students with disabilities in Michigan.
Quick Links
COVID-19 Special Education Information and Resources
Information, guidance, and resources to support students with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
Previously Released Guidance
A list of all guidance documents released by the Office of Special Education.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Find ways for parents and schools to problem solve about special education issues.
Eligibility
Find information about determining a student’s eligibility for special education programs and services.
Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)
The MARSE are the Michigan rules to follow when implementing special education laws.
SPP/APR
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.
Supports for Students With Disabilities
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.
Michigan Special Education Reference (MI-SER)
The MI-SER is a database of federal and state special education law and policy information and resources.
Sign-up for Announcements from the OSE
Sign-up to receive email announcements from the Office of Special Education.