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Alternative Education
Overview
Alternative Education is a program operated as a subdivision of the regular K-12 program. It is designed for students who can be better served in an alternative delivery system. Students served include those who have specific needs and are often at risk of not graduating. Alternative Education programs seek to provide added flexibility and alternative instructional models. These often include expanded services from the traditional setting such as online learning, institutional programs, counseling, childcare, and transportation; in an effort to help students overcome barriers and meet the goals of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Alternative Education pupils are funded under the K-12 foundation rate.
Alternative Education is a separate, non-traditional program within a K-12 public school district or a public school academy established to provide personalized educational services for students who:
- are at risk of not graduating with their class; and/or
- have individual needs not being met in a traditional setting.
MDE Contacts
- Jeff McNeal: 517-241-6958
- Steve Nemeckay: 517-331-7789
Alternative Education / Innovative Programs Reduction of Hours and/or Days Waivers
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will start accepting applications on April 3, 2025, for Alternative Education and Innovative Programs that will operate during the 2025/26 school year. Applications and End-of-Year (EOY) Reports must be submitted prior to June 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Alternative Education
Application for Alternative Education Waiver
Entities that received an Alternative Education (Hours and/or Days) Waiver in 2024/25 must complete the Alternative Education EOY Report. The Alternative Education EOY Report is required for entities that were approved for the waiver for 2024/25.
Innovative Programs
Application for Innovative Program Waiver
Entities that received an Innovative Program (Hours and/or Days) Waiver in 2024/25 must complete the Innovative Program EOY Report. The Innovative Program EOY Report is required for entities that were approved for the waiver for 2024/25.
Additional Resources
- Michigan Flexibility Guide
- Section 101(9) [MCL 388.1701] of the State School Aid Act of 1979
- Information on Teacher of Record for Online or Computer-Based Instruction
- Alternative Education: Classroom Teacher Placements
- Teacher Certification questions: mde-educatorhelp@michigan.gov or 517-241-5000
- Education Development Plan (EDP) Fundamentals
- Section 21f Expanded Virtual Learning for Course Providers (Updated 12/22/22)
- Section 21f allows districts, intermediate districts, community colleges, the Michigan Virtual (MV), and other third-party vendors the opportunity to publish courses in a Statewide catalog of virtual courses for consumption by pupils located throughout Michigan