GVSU values a learning environment where all children are embraced and supported. Toward that end, the GVSU DEISS has compiled a variety of support and resources related to special education.

State and federal resources are linked below to assist K-12 educators in their legal obligations for identifying and providing a free appropriate public education within the least restrictive environment for children identified or suspected of having a disability under state and federal law. 

Need more assistance? Contact Jan Weckstein, our school support specialist with expertise in special education.

Local, state, and federal resources are linked below to assist K-12 educators in their legal obligations for identifying and providing a free appropriate public education within the least restrictive environment for children identified or suspected of having a disability under state and federal law. 

Intermediate School Districts

Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) distribute and manage a variety of resources to schools in their local area, acting as a support between the Michigan Department of Education and K-12 districts. You can use the button below to access a PDF that lists all Michigan ISDs and links each ISD's webpage for special education.

See ISD special education list

Michigan Department of Education - Office of Special Education (MDE-OSE)

The MDE-OSE is responsible for the general supervision, administration, and funding of special education programs and services for children and youth with disabilities.

Visit MDE-OSE homepage

Previously Released MDE-OSE Guidance

Additional MDE Resources

Curriculum Content 

• Dynamic Learning

Student Data

• Catamaran
• Catamaran Training 
• Catamaran Sample Procedures
• MDE Center for Educational Performance & Information (CEPI)
• MDE Michigan Education Information Systems (MEIS)
• MDE Parent Dashboard
• Mi School Data
  • At-Risk Report

Family Supports

• MDE Alternatives to Suspension and Expulsion Toolkit
• MDE Family Matters
• MDE Special Education Grant Funded Initiatives
• Michigan Model Due Process Complaint/Request for Hearing
• Special Education Procedural Safeguards  

Other State Agencies

The entities below are included due to the connections they may have with supporting students receiving special education. 

• Department of Health and Human Services
• MiLEAP

State Laws

• Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) with related IDEA Federal Regulations
• Michigan Child Protection Act
• Michigan Compiled Laws or Proposed Legislation
• Michigan Freedom of Information Act
• Michigan Revised School Code
• Michigan School Aid Act
• Michigan Special Education Reference (MI-SER)

U.S. Department of Education

• National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT:C)
• Office of Special Education Programs
• U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services

Federal Laws

• Americans with Disability Act (ADA)
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA/IDEIA)
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Section 504