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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 application window to apply for an Alternative Education or Innovative Programs Reduction of Hours and/or Days Waiver for the 2024/25 school year closed on June 14, 2024. For Programs that received a Waiver for the 2023/24 school year, the End-of-Year Report may still be completed.
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.