START Project

An evidence-based decision-making model involves using evidence-based practices and professional judgement to systematically address learning and behavior support needs, while also respecting the strengths and preferences of the individual and the family. Finally, collecting and evaluating student data assures that interventions are effective in helping students to develop social, behavioral, adaptive, and academic skills.

An evidence-based practice (EBP) is an intervention procedure or set of procedures for which researchers have provided an acceptable level of research that shows the practice consistently produces positive outcomes for the intended population.

Resource created by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) for families; consists of 2-page briefs on special education topics in family-friendly language.

Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a foundation of special education as outlined in IDEA. FAPE is the legal right of students with disabilities to have the same educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers and to be provided with special education services that address the unique needs related to their disabilities in order to ensure access to and progress in the general education curriculum. The IDEA requires that students receive their FAPE in the LRE to the maximum extent appropriate and that special classes or other removal of students with an IEP from general education should occur only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that, with supplementary aids and services, education in general education cannot be achieved satisfactorily (i.e., the student cannot make progress on appropriately developed IEP goals and the general education environment cannot benefit the student).

START's initiative and RCN priority for increasing partnerships between schools, families, and communities including greater communication and collaboration and raising expectations and opportunities for students to participate in the community and prepare for graduation and employment.

A fidelity checklist breaks down the steps of an intervention into observable and measurable tasks that can be assessed. An observer can rate each step of the task as completed or not completed with accuracy.

Gnoments began as a whimsical concept among our START team. An old garden gnome was decorated to be a prize at a START event and gnomes became symbolic of positivity in our work. Soon thereafter, we adopted the practice of beginning our START team meetings with "positive moments" (the good stuff that happened in the recent weeks) and these positive moments came to be called "Gnoments."        

Grant-funded initiatives (GFI) are projects funded by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education that address federally mandated requirements or state priorities. The START Project is a GFI.

In Michigan, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document for students with disabilities ages 3 through 25 that outlines the student's educational needs related to their disability and the goals and any programs and services the immediate school district (ISD) and/or its member district will provide to help the student make educational progress. The IEP is developed by the IEP team at an IEP team meeting and is reviewed at least once a year.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law to protect the educational rights of children who meet requirements for special education by providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

An Intermediate School District (ISD) is a governmental agency organized at the county or multi-county level that assists local school districts within its service boundaries in providing programs and services, including special education. Also called RESD, RESA, or ESA.

The Local Education Agency (LEA) is an individual school district operating under a public board of education (as distinct from ISDs/RESDs/RESAs/ESAs) with administrative control of public elementary or secondary schools under its jurisdiction. Also commonly referred to as a school district.

When a team is presented with a problem, it is crucial for the team to efficiently identify variables and develop solutions that result in an action plan. This becomes more complicated when problems are complex or emotionally charged, and the process slows or is halted. Adding structure to the process through the use of the Meeting Mechanics Problem Solving Process can assist with efficiently developing solutions in these situations. It is especially important to have all relevant team members involved to increase the odds of implementation.

Medium of Exchange is an activity, a topic, or a shared experience that promotes student interaction, engagement, and friendships. These can include curriculum-based tasks, building with Legos, STEM activities, playing games, watching YouTube videos, and more.

Administrative rules setting forth the specific requirements for implementing the IDEA in Michigan.

A grant-funded initiative from the Michigan Department of Education providing regional mentors to support families navigating the special education system. Serving as Michigan's parent information center, MAF provides training, and online, print, and video resources related to special education topics.