Mandatory Special Education in Michigan provides a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children from birth to their twenty-sixth birthday who have not received a high school diploma or completed a normal course of study.
Who has a Disability?
A student may have a disability under the Individual with Disability Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Revised Administrative Rules if a determination is made by a multidisciplinary evaluation team that a child has a disability (as defined by IDEA and the Michigan Revised Administrative Rules for Special Education) and needs special education and related services. If a student is eligible for special education services an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must be developed in accordance with R300.340-350. These services are available for students who have not received their high school diploma or completed a normal course of study. Services are available for eligible children from birth to their twenty-sixth birthday. If you suspect that your child has a disability, please contact the school administrator in your school district and/or contact the Calhoun ISD Special Education Department at (269) 789-2460 and share your concerns.
Who is Eligible for Special Education?
A student is eligible for special education programs and/or services if he/she has a disability as defined by the individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997 and is in need of special education. A team of qualified professionals and the parents, referred to as an Individualized Education Planning Team (IEPT), make the determination of eligibility after a comprehensive evaluation has been completed. If determined eligible the IEPT is responsible for identifying student needs, program(s) and services.