Specialized Instruction and Student Services are provided to students living within our district boundaries according to federal and state laws and regulations that guide processes, programs, and services for children who present with a potential, or demonstrated, need beyond what general education programs provide.  The Specialized Instruction and Student Services Department within Birmingham Public Schools is here to help parents and guardians, as together we seek to support our students’ needs and champion their success.  We have access to innumerable resources and databases of information, some of which are listed below.  We encourage families with questions to reach out to their child’s school, or to our department staff who stand ready to help regardless of the need. 

   Career Exploration Session Registration Link

Family Matters provides parents & families with information about Special Education and other resources.  Please click the ink below for more information.  

Michigan Department of Education -- Family Matters

Referral Process Flowchart
The student support team is a collaborative effort between district personnel and parents to intervene when a student has been identified as making minimal academic and/or emotional progress in the general education setting. The Referral Process Flowchart illustrates the steps that are taken once a student has been identified. This process is ongoing, in that, it continues to identify and evaluate problems, solutions and progress within the student's academic setting.

IEP Timeline
Timelines/Process from Referral to Reevaluation

REED Manual
Procedures for Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) and Development of an Evaluation Plan

Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) Process
Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) Process Flow Chart

Birmingham Schools SLD Determination Process
Specific Learning Disability Determination

Procedural Safeguards
Procedural Safeguards notice for parent of a child with disabilities

Early On
Visit the Parent Resource Library at Midvale Early Childhood Center. 

• Early On Resource Guide
  View the Early On® Oakland Community Resource Guide:   A guide to finding the right resources to match a child’s and family’s needs, 2021 Resource Guide

ESY guide
The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires school districts to provide eligible students with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). For some of these students with disabilities, FAPE may include programs and/or services beyond the normal school year of the school district. This additional educational programming is referred to as Extended School Year (ESY). 

Manual for Section 504
Section 504 Manual

Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children (birth through 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues as well as disability specific information. Michigan Alliances' goal is to increase the involvement of families in their children’s education. To do this, we offer learning opportunities across the state, leadership mentoring, and support. Parents can connect directly to a local mentor to address the families’ needs.  All Michigan families are able to access 1:1 support, electronic and printed resource information, and referrals to local community resources.  See the Michigan Alliance for Families map to get in touch with a Michigan Alliance for Families staff person.

Michigan Alliance for Families is a Michigan Department of Education IDEA Grant Funded Initiative.  Michigan Alliance for Families is our state’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. For more information, please go to http://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org

Autism Awareness

BPS Celebrates Autism Awareness Acceptance Month: Includes "About Autism" from The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network.

Dyslexia Awareness

International Dyslexia Association

Dyslexia Resources

Oakland Intermediate School District  Special Education
Oakland Schools has user friendly, helpful information on their website for the parent community.  Please click the link for more information on Special Education:  Oakland Schools: Special Populations

• Oakland Schools Special Education Compliance 
  The Compliance Unit of the Department of Special Education provides services that support districts in ensuring compliant practices. The website is continuously updated to provide the most current information and resources. Click on Compliance Resources to review documentation for your child's eligibility. 
  
  
• Oakland Schools Augmentative/Alternative Communication
  The Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) Team supports local district teams servicing students who are in need of communication support through augmentative or alternative means. The goal is for all students to become competent communicators.   Click here Augmentative/Alternative Communication for more information.