Student Rights and Responsibilities in Michigan

Students experiencing homelessness

Children who are displaced have the right to enroll and remain enrolled in their school, per the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (reauthorized by Title X, Part C of ESEA). Schools must ensure access to transportation and academic supports as deemed necessary.

All public schools should have a designated homeless liaison.

By law, “homelessness” covers a variety of circumstances, from youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence to those who live in a motel, hotel, trailer, or emergency shelter to youth in migratory or foster care situations.

Students with special needs

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with special needs will receive a “free appropriate public education” tailored to their needs. All public schools must serve students identified for special education.

Parents have the legal right to request an evaluation of their children for special education services at any time. Districts must get parents’ informed consent before providing such services for the first time.

All students should be educated in the “least restrictive environment,” whether in general education classrooms with extra supports or, in some cases, self-contained classrooms or center-based programs.

Services are provided for a wide range of disabilities, including cognitive, emotional or visual impairment, autism, and specific learning disabilities.

Services include social work, psychological testing, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, assistive technology, and more.

Parents have the right to an “independent educational evaluation” of their child at public expense if they disagree with a school district’s evaluation.

Services can be provided to children as early as infancy and up to age 26.

Other special populations

These populations include over-age youth, youth returning from incarceration, English Language Learners, etc.

Under the State School Aid Act, all students have the right to be educated by the district where they reside if they meet age requirements, haven’t graduated, and haven’t been suspended or expelled.

Principals, counselors, and other school or transitional staff may be available to support families in connecting students to education programs.

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, public schools must ensure that English Language Learner (ELL) students can participate meaningfully and equally in educational programs.