How to Read an IEP: Michigan State IEP Guide

Michigan’s special education policies for the 226,000 students in the states with IEPs (15.4%) are spelled out in the state’s Administrative Rules (R 340.1721 et seq.). The 62 pages of rules covers definitions, IEP components, extensive details on how to determine if a child should attend ESY, the establishment of parent advisory committees, funding mechanisms, and teacher credentialing. Some elements of the code are highly unique. For example, the regulations include that; “Special education classrooms or areas where related services are provided must have at least the same average number of square feet per student and the same light, ventilation, and heat conditions as provided for general education students in the school district.“ Similarly, the regulations specify that “supplies and equipment at least equal to those provided to other students in general education programs” be provided to students with special needs. The state also specifies class sizes. For example, programs for students with severe cognitive impairments should have “1 teacher and 2 instructional aides for a maximum of 12 students,” although the number can go up to 15 with an additional aide. For students with mild cognitive impairments there should be “1 teacher and 1 teacher aide for a maximum of 15 students.” For emotional impairments, no more than “10 students in the classroom at any one time,” and a caseload maximum for the teacher of 15. There are similar limits for all disabilities, including for students with learning disabilities; “10 students in the classroom at any one time, and the teacher shall be responsible for the educational programming for not more than 15 different students. There are even state set caseload maxes for teachers in resource rooms (18 elementary; 20 secondary). There is also a reference guide that has additional information on everything from what specially design instruction is and isn’t to a student’s role at an IEP meeting.

The state publishes easily accessible information by district on special education and detailed information for parents. For example, there is a page of resources on written prior notice and consent, a page with supports for families and educators, a page of parent resources, and eligibility information. However, there is no state IEP form or sample IEPs to provide guidance on what high-quality IEPs should look like. Individual districts (ISDs), like the Wayne RESA, provide blank IEPs.

For parent resources check out the Michigan Alliance for Families, Disability Rights Michigan, the ARC Michigan, and Michigan Family to Family.

To see what IEPs look like in Michigan– and guidance on how to read IEPs (and how to know if they are well written!), check out the IEP section guide below.