1. MDE
  2. Special Education
  3. Evaluations and IEPs
  4. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

An individualized education program (IEP) is a written document for students with disabilities ages 3 through 25 that outlines the student’s educational needs and goals and any programs and services the intermediate school district (ISD) and/or its member district will provide to help the student make educational progress.

The document is written by the IEP team at an IEP team meeting. The IEP is reviewed at least once a year.

Measurable Goals

Programs and Services

  • FAPE in the County Jail [PDF]
    Students with disabilities confined to county jails maintain their entitlement to special education programs and services and a free appropriate public education (FAPE) as specified in their individualized education program (IEP). This document provides information regarding the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Compiled Law (MCL), and Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) pertaining to eligible students (birth to 26) while they are confined to county jails in the state of Michigan.
  • Standards for Extended School Year Services in Michigan [PDF]
    Extended School Year (ESY) services refer to special education and/or related services provided beyond the normal school year or school day for the purpose of providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to a student with a disability.
  • Guidance for Extended School Year Services in Michigan [PDF]
    Extended School Year (ESY) services must be considered for every student with a disability at each IEP team meeting. This guidance defines ESY services and helps the IEP team determine whether a student needs ESY services.
  • Provision of Special Education Services for Transfer Students [PDF]
    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) address how districts must handle the provision of special education for students who are currently eligible for special education programs and services and have transferred to a new district with a completed IEP.
  • Public Agency Placement of Students With Disabilities in Private Schools [PDF]
    Public agencies may place a student in a private school setting in order to provide a free appropriate public education. The Application for Private School Placement (located in the Public Agency Placement of Students With Disabilities in Private Schools document) must be completed and submitted to the Michigan Department of Education for approval.
  • Providing Homebound and Hospitalized Educational Services for Michigan Public School Pupils [PDF]
    Districts must provide services to students who are homebound or hospitalized, including special education services for eligible students.