Information on Michigan academic standards and instructional resources.
Responsible for providing final decisions in administrative appeals to MDE.
Learn more about the MDE office responsible for providing leadership in curriculum and instruction that provides students with greater choices to prepare for success.
Early learning and development program resources for all children, birth to age eight, especially those in highest need.
Resources for educator certification, recognition programs, evaluation, and workforce research.
Resources related to financial and pupil accounting and auditing.
Options available for Michigan students that provide unique learning opportunities.
Resources for Michigan’s Out-of-School Time programs and providers.
Resources for programs and initiatives that support school improvement efforts.
Michigan has an innovative and comprehensive system of assessments to measure student achievement in learning our state content standards.
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Do you have a question related to special education? Call 888-320-8384*
* Interpreter services in several languages are available.
Information about special education for parents and families.
Schools must provide notice to parents about the protections and rights for their
children with disabilities.
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.
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.
The State Board of Education Policy for the Appointment of Surrogate Parents for Special Education Services was rescinded, effective May 9, 2023.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.
This extended school year (ESY) guidance document and form will assist ISDs and LEAs with IDEA compliance and IEP development.
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.
Memorandum clarifying the term "physician" as used in MARSE.
New document answers VI rule questions.
How the Office of Special Education supports the Michigan Department of Education's Mission, Vision, and Top 10 Strategic Plan.
An outcome-focused plan to bring about systemic change to support post-school success for students with disabilities in Michigan.
Information, guidance, and resources to support students with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
A list of all guidance documents released by the Office of Special Education.
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.
