Publication

18 June 2026

Michigan Education Update: New MDE and OSE Guidance on Special Education, SDI, and K-12 Literacy Compliance

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Office of Special Education (OSE) recently released several important updates and guidance documents affecting special education practice and K-12 literacy compliance. Below is a brief summary of each development, along with key highlights.

  • Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) (Updated): This revised guidance explains the core requirements for documenting SDI in an IEP, clarifies who may provide SDI, and distinguishes SDI from differentiated instruction. The update also emphasizes SDI’s importance in ensuring compliance and delivering meaningful, individualized support. MDE revised the document to clarify provider qualifications and align frequency language with OSEP’s Letter to Matthews (Jan. 7, 2010).
  • Compliance Outcomes (New): This new OSE document explains how compliance supports improved outcomes for students with IEPs and reinforces the connection between legal compliance and effective educational services.
  • Michigan State Board of Education Announces Bipartisan Special Education Committee: The Michigan State Board of Education has announced a bipartisan Special Education Committee focused on strengthening services, partnerships, and outcomes for students with disabilities across the state. Initial planning is expected to begin this summer, with district visits anticipated this fall. Public notice will be issued in advance of meetings. The committee will work closely with MDE and State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko to identify strategies and best practices that support student success and improve collaboration with districts and families.
  • District Guidance: K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law (PA 146) Communication to Parents/Legal Guardians: Under Section 12 of Public Act 146 of 2024, by July 31 of each year, MDE must notify the parent or legal guardian of any student completing grade 3 who scored not proficient in reading on the state English Language Arts assessment. These notices must be sent by certified mail and must inform families that:
    • the student scored not proficient in reading;
    • the school must provide the supports described in Section 13 of PA 146;
    • supports and interventions must be made available; and
    • the parent or legal guardian has the right to request a meeting with school officials to discuss those supports and interventions.

MDE will mail letters by July 31 using student addresses listed in the Michigan Student Data System as of June 9, 2026. For students experiencing homelessness who do not have an address in the system, the notice will be sent to the district homeless liaison listed in the Educational Entity Master database. Districts should confirm that liaison information is current and accurate.

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