ESE Announcements

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    The Michigan Legislature has allowed districts to consider modifications specific to the State of Michigan graduation requirements when requested.

    This individualized credit requirement and/or content expectation modification is called a Personal Curriculum (PC).  

    The majority of students will exit high school with a diploma without the help of a PC, but for some students, a PC can provide the modifications necessary for them to earn a high school diploma. A personal curriculum may be requested for one of four reasons: 

    1. Students who are interested in earning additional credits in math, science, English language arts, or foreign languages.
      PC Enrichment
    2. Students who demonstrate a need to reduce the Algebra II requirement in the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
      PC Algebra
    3. Students transferring from out-of-state or nonpublic schools after completing two years of high school.
      PC Transfer
    4. Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
      PC IED

    For more information, please contact your school administrator.
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Office of Exceptional Student Education

  • Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) provides students with exceptional needs with the support, interventions, and enrichment activities needed to flourish. The Office of Exceptional Student Education encompasses all learners outside of the typical learning environment and those that may require differing learning styles in order to meet their full potential. The ESE department is comprised of Section 504 students, students with, or suspected of having, a disability, and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). We work to ensure students have access to and the opportunity to participate in the varied opportunities DPSCD provides.

    This access to instructional and other support services will result in every student maximizing their potential to successfully participate in school, work, and community life.

    Our Programs:

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Dual Diagnosed (DD)
    • Day Treatment (DT)
    • Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)
    • Early Childhood Special Education Services (Birth - 3)
    • Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE Program)
    • Emotional Impairment (EI)
    • Gifted & Talented Education (GATE)
    • Homebound or Hospitalized
    • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MiCi)
    • Moderate Cognitive Impairment (MoCi)
    • Physical or Other Health Impairment (POHI)
    • Post-Secondary | Essential Skills Transition Program
    • Post-Secondary | Work Skills
    • Post Secondary | Project Search
    • Resource
    • Severe Cognitive Impairment (SCI)
    • Severe Multiple Impairment (SXI)
    • Visual Impairment (VI)
    • EPIC
    • IMPACT

    Our Services:

    • Accommodations and Modifications
    • Assistance with Physical Mobility and Fine Motor Skills
    • Audiology
    • Behavior and counseling support
    • Instructional support: ranging from specialized classes to resource teachers supporting students in general education classrooms, DPSCD strives to educate all students first in a general education setting
    • Music Therapy
    • Nursing
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Orientation & Mobility
    • Physical Therapy
    • Psychological Services
    • School Social Work
    • Speech & Language
    • Teacher Consultant Services
    • Transition and work skills to help students pursue post-secondary and work opportunities

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    You can view the following organizational chart to find the right ESE contact person for your school.

    2024-2025 School Cohorts

Contact Information

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    ESE Directory

    Lohren Nzoma

    Assistant Superintendent
    (313) 873-7740

    Donna Payne

    Executive Director
    (313) 873-7740

    Marlene Hunter-Armstrong

    Director of Compliance
    (313) 748-6374

    Renee Kidd

    Senior Director - ESE Enrollment/Medicaid/PSSP
    (313) 748-6363

    Valeria Jackson

    Senior Director - Gifted and Talented Education
    (313) 552-1484

    Adrima Caesar

    Senior Director of PD/Curriculum/Assessments/Assistive Technology
    (313) 873-3265