Skip to main content
Laws and Regulations

Laws and Regulations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal civil rights law that ensures eligible children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Each state must follow the IDEA, and may also create additional laws and rules. In Michigan, those rules are the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).

Federal Laws and Regulations

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The IDEA is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.

IDEA Statute and Regulations

Procedural Safeguards Notice

The procedural safeguards outlined in the IDEA protect the rights of parents and students. Each state must create a procedural safeguards notice for parents.

Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities

Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

FAQ: Section 504 Free Appropriate Public Education

Michigan Laws and Rules

Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)

The MARSE outlines specific requirements regarding how special education is to be implemented in Michigan.

The link to the MARSE web version allows users to navigate the rules by part or rule number.

MARSE With Related Federal Regulations

Michigan rules are aligned to federal regulations. This document contains the Michigan rules and relevant federal regulations. 

Michigan Revised School Code - PA 451 of 1976

The state education law includes specific special education provisions.

The Revised School Code

Policies

Policy documents provide information to help interpret and implement the law. The documents are not laws or regulations.

Area of Concern

This document focuses on the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) general supervision system policies, procedures, and practices to address areas of concern in a timely manner. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) directs States to ensure its general supervision system includes policies, procedures, and practices reasonably designed to consider and address areas of concern in a timely manner.

Emergency Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint

The Michigan State Board of Education adopted a policy for schools to comply with the state law that restricts the use of seclusion and restraint in schools.

Michigan Criteria for Determining the Existence of a Specific Learning Disability

The criteria describe the state-approved options districts can use to evaluate a student for a specific learning disability.

Providing Homebound and Hospitalized Educational Services for Michigan Public School Pupils

The State School Aid Act requires school districts to provide services to students who are homebound or hospitalized, including special education services for eligible students.

Standards for Extended School Year Services in Michigan

The Michigan State Board of Education adopted these standards to outline what must be considered when determining if extended school year services are necessary. 

Research Tool

MI-SER

The Michigan Special Education Reference (MI-SER) provides access to federal and state special education law and policy information and resources. The database includes a comprehensive search tool.

Michigan Special Education Reference
Michigan Special Education Reference