The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services will conduct public hearings to receive comment on the following proposed administrative rules and documents:

• Special Education Programs and Services Administrative Rules (2009-043ED)
• Criteria for Specific Learning Disabilities
• Nonpublic Services Plan

The rules are promulgated by the authority conferred on the superintendent of public instruction by sections 1701 and 1703 of 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1701 and MCL 380.1703, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-6 and 1996-7, MCL 388.993 and MCL 388.994. The proposed changes will bring the administrative rules into alignment with the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and update outdated language.

In addition, the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules will conduct public hearings to receive public comments on the following proposed administrative rule:

• Due Process Procedures for Special Education (2009-049ED)

The rule is promulgated by authority conferred on the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules by sections 1701 and 1703 of 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1701 and 380.1703, and Executive Order 2005-1, MCL 445.2021. Rule 340.1883(3) contains an incorrect rule reference. The current subrule references Rule 340.1881, a rule that was rescinded in 2005. Hence, this subrule must be amended to reflect the correct reference (R 340.1724f).

The proposed rules are published in the November 15, 2009, Michigan Register. The rules are proposed to take effect upon the filing with the Secretary of State.

• Regulatory Impact Statement

Public hearings for both rule sets will be held at the following sites:

• Tuesday, December 1, 2009 from 3:30-8:00 p.m. at Wayne State University Law School, Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, 471 W. Palmer, Detroit, Michigan 49202 (Directions to Detroit Hearing Site)
• Wednesday, December 2, 2009 from 3:30-8:00 p.m. at Ingham Intermediate School District, Thorburn Education Center, Conference Rooms B & C, 2630 West Howell Road, Mason, Michigan 48854

Oral or written comment may be presented in person at the hearing or submitted in writing by mail, e-mail, or facsimile no later than 5:00 p.m., December 18, 2009. All comment will be reviewed and considered in the final version of the rules. Comments may be submitted to the following:

Public Comment
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services
Michigan Department of Education
P.O. Box 30008
Lansing, MI 48909
mde-ose@michigan.gov
Fax: 517-373-7504

If special accommodations are needed to participate in the public hearings, contact Meredith Hines at 517-373-0924 or email at hinesm@michigan.gov by November 16, 2009.