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.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
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The MDE Office of Special Education is hiring. Check out our job openings by selecting the link below.
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.
This memorandum addresses the challenges local school districts may face regarding the age span requirement contained in the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education R 340.1733(d) program and service requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
