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Special Education
Special Education
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
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.
Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education and Early Intervention Services Replaces Rescinded Policy Document
The State Board of Education Policy for the Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education Services was rescinded, effective May 9, 2023. This updated guidance is consistent with IDEA requirements and includes surrogate parent requirements for children birth to three, responsibilities of the public agency for appointing surrogate parent to unaccompanied homeless youth, students who have reached age of majority, students in residential placements and wards of the state, and information on surrogate parent rights, which highlights the procedural rights of the surrogate parent. The guidance document also emphasizes a surrogate parent cannot be an employee of any agency involved in the education or care of the child.
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.
Use of Physician's Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in Special Education
Memorandum clarifying the term "physician" as used in MARSE.
Q&A Available for Implementing the MARSE R340.1708 - Visual Impairment
New document answers VI rule questions.
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.