Fresh Off the Press: MDE OSE Rolls Out New Special Education Guidance

The Michigan Office of Special Education (MDE‑OSE) has released a new round of guidance updates covering several important areas of special education practice. Below is a summary—along with direct links—to each of the newly published documents.

• Counseling as a Related Service (Updated): This guidance outlines when counseling qualifies as a related service and clarifies distinctions between school social work services and counseling supports.
• FAQ: Successfully Navigating Virtual Education for Students with Disabilities (New): This document addresses common questions regarding the delivery of virtual education to students with disabilities.
• IEP Team Roles and Responsibilities Guidance (New): An overview of the responsibilities of each member of the IEP team, emphasizing IDEA‑required collaboration and compliance.
• Measurable Annual Goals and Short‑Term Objectives—Procedural Compliance (Updated): Procedural guidance for drafting compliant measurable annual goals and short‑term objectives.
• Measurable Annual Goals and Short‑Term Objectives—Substantive Compliance for Rigorous, Achievable Goals (Updated): A supplemental document emphasizing substantive compliance and the development of rigorous, standards‑aligned, and educationally beneficial goals.
• Successfully Navigating Virtual Education for Students with IEPs (Updated): Guidance focused on ensuring that students with disabilities retain their rights and receive FAPE in the least restrictive environment when participating in virtual learning options.
• Understanding the Requirements of Prior Written Notice (Updated): Updated to include clarification regarding notice requirements when a district initiates the disenrollment of a student receiving special education programs or services

If you have questions about these updates or their implications for school district practices, please contact the Education team at Miller Johnson.