Program Planning
Intermediate school districts (ISDs) and their member districts are responsible for providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) through their special education programs and services.
ISD Plans
ISDs must submit a plan to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) that documents how special education services will be provided to students within the ISD and its member districts.
Waivers
Section 380.1281 of the Revised School Code allows for waivers from certain rules in the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE). The state superintendent may grant a waiver to local educational agencies (LEAs), ISDs, or public school academies (PSAs) if the district is able to address the intent of the rule in a more effective, efficient, or economical manner or the waiver is necessary to stimulate improved pupil performance. Waivers may be granted for up to three years and may be renewed.
Waiver applications will no longer be accepted in paper form by mail, email or fax. Applications must be submitted through the Catamaran system.
The following waiver applications are not available in the Catamaran system and must be submitted directly to the Office of Special Education:
- Waiver Application for Teacher Endorsement Flexibility Under Rule 390.1105(3) [PDF]
Waiver application to fill an open and eligible special education program position with a special education teacher endorsed in an area of special education. - Administrative Rule Waiver Application for School Social Worker Requirement Under Rule 340.1799f [PDF]
Waiver application to request MDE approval to address the school social worker (SSW) shortage with a Master's level social worker who enrolls in an approved SSW program, without having to complete the program before employment. - Application for Administrative Rule Waiver of Day and/or Hour Requirements for Severe Cognitive Impairment Programs Under R 340.1738 [PDF]
Joint waiver application specific to waiving a minimum of 200 days and/or 1,150 clock hours of instruction. - Application for Administrative Rule Waiver of Day and/or Hour Requirements for Severe Multiple Impairment Programs Under R 340.1748 [PDF]
Joint waiver application specific to waiving a minimum of 200 days and/or 1,150 clock hours of instruction. - Application for Administrative Rule Waiver of Day and/or Hour Requirements for Early Childhood Special Education Programs Under R 340.1754 [PDF]
Joint waiver application specific to waiving a minimum of 360 clock hours and/or 144 days. - Application for Administrative Rule Waiver of Early Childhood Special Education Services Under R 340.1755 [PDF]
Joint waiver application specific to waiving the 72 clock hours over 1 school year requirements for early childhood special education services for students with disabilities.
Resources for the completion of waiver applications:
- Catamaran Waivers Webinar (external video link)
- Waivers Webinar Presentation (external PowerPoint)
- Waivers Procedures (Coming Soon)
Deviations
The MARSE allow for deviations from certain rules under specific circumstances outlined in R 340.1734. The MDE OSE may grant a deviation to LEAs, ISDs, or PSAs for a period not to extend beyond the current school year.
Applications for deviations must be submitted by the district through the Catamaran system.
