June 2025

SPOTLIGHT STORY

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

STUDENT SERVICES UPDATES

A Message of Gratitude

As we close out another school year, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each of you. Your unwavering dedication to providing high-quality specialized instruction and services under IDEA has had a direct and positive impact on the students and families we serve. Your students’ progress reflects your care, expertise, and commitment.
 
As summer begins, I encourage you to take time for a well-deserved rest and renewal. When you’re ready, reflect on this past year’s successes and begin considering how we can continue to grow and adapt to better meet student needs in the coming school year.
 
Thank you for your ongoing work and advocacy. It truly matters—and it does not go unnoticed.

Best Practice Corner

Required Special Education Website Postings

To maintain transparency and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, all Michigan Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Public-School Academies (PSAs) must include the following information on their websites:

SLD Determination Process

A description of the process (or combination of processes) used to determine the existence of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) as required under 34 CFR § 300.307(b).

ISD Plan for Special Education

While ISDs are responsible for maintaining these plans, LEAs/PSAs are encouraged to link to or reference them on their own websites to promote public awareness of how services are coordinated.

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

Information about the ISD PAC—including membership, meeting schedules, and its advisory role—should be publicly accessible to foster family engagement and input.

Procedural Safeguards Notice

While not explicitly required for online posting, it is best practice to make the IDEA Procedural Safeguards Notice available on your website for easy access by families.

Overview of Special Education Programs and Services

Clearly describe available programs and services, eligibility criteria, support offered, and contact information for special education leadership.

Administrators should regularly review district websites to ensure all posted information remains current, accurate, and accessible. Additional guidance can be found on the Michigan Department of Education – Office of Special Education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education

Action Required by September 1, 2025

Posting of District Procedures

To support consistent compliance across districts, we are providing procedural templates that fulfill upcoming website posting requirements. These templates should be adapted and posted in a visible, accessible location on your district website by September 1, 2025.

Child Find and Evaluation Procedures

Outlines how the district identifies, locates, and evaluates students who may be eligible for special education services under IDEA.
 Download Template: Child Find and Evaluation (Template)

Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities

Details of district-level disciplinary protocols, including protections for students with IEPs and processes for manifestation determinations and behavior supports.
Download Template: Disciplinary Procedure (Template)

District teams should ensure that staff are aware of these procedures and trained accordingly. Whether using these templates or an internal version, districts must ensure compliance with both federal and state expectations.

If your district needs support adapting these documents, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help ensure your compliance efforts are successful and sustainable.