Parent Resource Library
Special education can be confusing with unfamiliar language, details and processes and we hope that this Guide will be helpful. Talk to other parents involved in special education, find books about your child’s specific disability or learning challenge and research the Internet. You need information so that you can play an active role in your child’s education and become your child’s advocate. School staff work with lots of children with different challenges, they can’t possibly be experts on all of them — that is your job — to become the expert on your child. You are an important member of the school special education team and your input is valuable in making the best decisions for your child’s education. You can stay informed by signing up for the BPS Special Education E-News through Blackboard, attending Administration coffees and joining Friends of Different Learners. We wish you well — remember that you are not alone.
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
Determination of Specific Learning Disabilities
Procedural Safeguards
Procedural Safeguards notice for parents of a child with disabilities
Early On
Visit the Parent Resource Library at Midvale Early Childhood Center.
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). Read This Extended School Year guide for more information, or select the ESY file in the column to the right.
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
Find out more information about the Autism Spectrum Disorder Center Based Program by downloading the Autism Spectrum Disorder Program brochure.
Eighth grade IEP
Parents of eighth grade students with an IEP can find information about transitioning to high school with the 8th Grade Parent Night: Preparing for the transition to high school presentation. Information includes credit requirements, scheduling and social opportunities.
Oakland Intermediate School District Special Education
- Oakland Schools Special Education Compliance
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.
If you have any questions regarding the guiding principles or work that is being done county wide on center program redesign, please contact your local Special Education administrator.
- Oakland Schools Consultants
Augmentative/Alternative Communication Oakland Schools Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) Team supports local district teams servicing students who are in need of communication support through augmentative or alternative means. Our goal is for all students to become competent communicators.
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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is an umbrella framework that includes Response to Intervention (RTI) and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) frameworks. Click on the link below to learn more about MTSS.
Friends of Different Learners Presentation on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
