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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
Special Education Reevaluation Process Update
This guidance document has been updated to provide additional information on the process a district must follow when the parent and the district agree a reevaluation is unnecessary to determine whether the child continues to have a disability and to determine the educational needs of the student.
Use of Physician's Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in Special Education
Memorandum clarifying the term "physician" as used in MARSE.
IEP Development: PLAAFP Available
This document is intended to support IEP teams in developing a present level of academic achievement and functional performance statement that supports both the compliance and the substantive obligation of providing a free appropriate public education under IDEA.
LRE Training and Awareness Building Tools Released
The Office of Special Education has developed a least restrictive environment (LRE) case study, continuum, and scenarios as training and awareness building tools for public agencies to use with general education and special education teachers and administrators.
FAPE for Adult Learners
Providing special education programs and services is the responsibility of all public agencies involved in the education of adult learners with disabilities.
IEP Development: Special Education Programs and Services Guidance Available
This document supports the development of an IEP based on the unique needs of the student, which are described in the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP).
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.