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.
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.
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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Parents play an important role in the education of their children. Parents can help their children at home with learning. Parents can also provide valuable input for schools about what is best for their child.
The Office of Special Education (OSE) is committed to providing support and resources for families with a child with a disability. The information below will help you find different special education topics and resources on the OSE website.
The OSE also supports the Michigan Alliance for Families, Michigan’s federal Parent-Training and Information Center. The Michigan Alliance for Families has parent mentors to help guide you through the special education system.
Sign-up to receive email announcements from the Office of Special Education.
Family Matters fact sheets provide parents and families with information about special education. The fact sheets are easy to read and give links to more in-depth resources.
The Individuals Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law for special education. The IDEA requires that all students with a disability receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Michigan also has a state law, the Revised School Code, with additional requirements for special education.
The IDEA established two separate age segments for students with special needs. Part B refers to special education services for students ages 3 through 21. Part C refers to early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth to age 3.
Michigan special education services extend from birth through age 25 (beyond the federal requirement of 21). Therefore, Michigan’s special education services and programs serve eligible students from birth through age 25.
The OSE also developed the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), which further clarify how to implement and comply with special education law. The MARSE go through a process of public comment and approval from the state legislature before becoming final.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations include a set of procedural safeguards. These safeguards provide certain rights to students and parents. The safeguards include in part:
Schools are required to provide a notice of the procedural safeguards to parents at least once a year.
Eligible children and students from birth through age 25 may receive special education programs and related services. A student must first be evaluated for special education in order to be determined eligible.
Children from birth to age 3 who are eligible for special education services are also eligible for Early On® services, which is a program administered by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Great Start.
An individualized education program (IEP) is a written document that outlines the student’s educational needs and goals, and the programs and services the school district will provide to meet those needs. The document is written by the IEP team at an IEP team meeting. The IEP is reviewed at least once a year.
Sometimes parents disagree with a school district’s decision about the education of their child with a disability. There are several special education problem solving options. Options include informal problem solving, mediation, and formal complaints.
Many offices, agencies, and organizations outside of the OSE work with families and schools to support students with disabilities. Outside supports include other MDE offices (e.g., Office of Great Start), OSE-funded initiatives (e.g., Statewide Autism Resources and Training), and other state agencies (e.g., Michigan Rehabilitation Services).
Look through the different supports for students with disabilities for help from other sources.
