ALLEGAN, MI – Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (ESA) will be welcoming representatives from the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) in May 2025 as part of the FAPE in the LRE Capacity Building & Improvement Effort. This process is designed to assess and support Allegan Area ESA’s efforts to ensure students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), a core requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
As part of the state’s six-year monitoring cycle, this process will evaluate Allegan Area ESA and its member districts' policies, procedures, and practices. Every ISD in the state will undergo this evaluation to ensure alignment with federal special education requirements at some point during this six-year cycle. Since this effort aligns with the ongoing work at Allegan Area ESA, the organization saw this as an opportunity to volunteer for the first cohort of evaluations, demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement. The visit will include:
• Student Record Reviews to assess compliance with IDEA standards.
• Staff Interviews: These interviews will assess staff awareness and implementation of LRE requirements. All staff will have the opportunity to participate.
• Parent Focus Groups: These sessions will gather input from families about their experiences with special education services, specifically related to their child's IEP.
Parent Participation Encouraged
Allegan Area ESA values the perspective and lived experience of parents and families of children with disabilities. A survey to gather parent perspective will be released via social media and email lists on April 15. The survey will close on May 2. In addition, families are encouraged to participate in a Parent Focus Group on May 21 at the Transition Center, located at 219 S. Farmer Street in Otsego. This session, hosted by the MDE, will provide an opportunity for families to share their insights, experiences, and feedback regarding the IEP process for their child. Their input will help identify successes and areas for growth to better support students with disabilities.
School Staff Participation Encouraged
Allegan Area ESA values the voice and expertise of educators including administrators, teachers, ancillary and support staff. A survey to gather educator perspectives will be released via social media and email lists on April 15. The survey will close on May 2. In addition, the efforts of each of our member districts and programs to educate students with disabilities will be highlighted through tours and interviews during the week MDE OSE is on site.
Following the capacity building activities, Allegan Area ESA will receive a report outlining positive practices, areas of noncompliance (if any), and recommended improvements. The district will then collaborate with an assigned LRE Technical Assistance (TA) Provider to develop and implement a five-year improvement plan focused on enhancing special education services.
Allegan Area ESA is dedicated to delivering exceptional services that empower students, families, and staff to achieve success and reach their fullest potential.
For more information about the FAPE in the LRE Capacity Building & Improvement Effort or to learn how to participate in the Parent Focus Group, please contact Allegan Area ESA at (269) 512-7700.