Successfully navigating virtual education for students with individualized education programs

Citation

Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education. (2026, February). Successfully navigating virtual education for students with individualized education programs. https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/specialeducation/iep/NavigatingVirtualEducation-Students-IEPs.pdf

Abstract

Michigan was the first state to require virtual learning as part of graduation requirements. In 2006, in an effort to prepare K-12 students in Michigan for the digital world, the requirement for all students to have an online learning experience was added to the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC). The MMC allows for a variety of ways to fulfill the online learning experience, including taking an online course, completing a meaningful online experience of at least 20 hours, or completing the meaningful online experience of at least 20 hours incorporated into the required courses of the MMC. This flexibility was intended to address variations in access to technology and accommodate the diverse educational landscape in Michigan's rural, urban, and suburban communities.


The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a civil rights law that entitles students with disabilities to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The LRE mandates outlined in 34 CFR ยงยง300.114 through 300.118 require each public agency to ensure students with disabilities are educated with students without disabilities, to the maximum extent appropriate for each student with a disability. The obligation to provide FAPE and implement IDEA requirements is placed on the public agency through IDEA statute and regulations.

Authors

  • Michigan Department of Education

Reference Type

Report

Keywords

  • Michigan
  • Special education
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