MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint Shared Definitions
Cost Reimbursement
Michigan currently uses a percentage-based reimbursement system to fund the state’s share of special education costs. This funding system requires districts to fund special education up front to then submit for reimbursement of the costs. It can be administratively burdensome.
Diverse Representation
Diverse representation means intentionally inviting and including people from a range of backgrounds, locations, and identities. Diverse experiences and viewpoints will strengthen our work together.
Ensuring Equity
Ensuring equity means providing different levels of support to ensure everyone has a fair chance to reach the same outcome. An equitable special education finance system provides greater resources to students who require additional support to access fully a high-quality public education
State and local share formula
A state and local share formula is part of a state finance system that determines how much funding should come from state revenue and how much from local revenue. The calculation is based on local wealth factors. Communities with greater wealth assume a greater share of the total cost of education.
Implementation Framework
An implementation framework is a model or set of strategies to guide the implementation of the proposed changes to the funding model. Doing this work ensures that the changes we propose are successful.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
IEP and IFSP are legal documents outlining the services and supports a student needs. With tools like these, IDEA (see below) helps prepare eligible children with disabilities for further education, employment, and independent living.
Special Education
All students are general education students. Some general education students with disabilities may require specialized services and support to access and benefit from their education. This is known as “special education.”
Stakeholders
A stakeholder is a person, group, or organization with a vested interest in a project. For us, stakeholders have an interest in the MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint.
Weighted Funding Formula (multiple)
A multiple weighted funding structure for students with disabilities provides different levels of funding based on student eligibility categories, level of intervention, or a combination of the two. Weighted funding is tied to enrollment and differentiates the funding amount based on student needs.