There is often variation in job descriptions and organizational structure between school districts. For more specific information, contact the school or district. Most importantly, parents should find a resource or staff member with whom they feel comfortable working.

Counselor, School
The school counselor may assist a child in providing basic information about classes and career paths, and may also provide individual counseling. The student or parent should contact the counselor if they have any questions concerning the student’s academic progress or classes, or for academic and career advice. They may also act as a liaison between school administrators and parents.

Independent Evaluator
The independent evaluator provides impartial testing for special education certification; to evaluate the child for impairments in a fair manner.
The parent should request an independent evaluation (paid for by the school) if the child was previously tested for special education certification and the results were either inconclusive (or disagreed with the parent or school officials).
Sample Letter - Request for Individual Educational Evaluation

Intermediate School District
The ISD is a Michigan county or multi-county entity that governs all local school districts in its area. Some counties or areas are represented by a Regional Education Service Agency (RESA).

Local School District
The school district in which your student resides. Local school districts govern city and township schools.

Parent/Guardian
The legal caregiver of a student under 18 years of age is responsible for all school related decisions that affect the child, unless a court of law takes away those rights.

Principal
The principal carries out the day-to-day operations in a school. Either the principal or assistant principal will be present in all disciplinary matters. The principal should be informed of any concerns that cannot be resolved at the teacher/counselor level.

Probation Officer
The court-appointed officer acts as a advisor for children who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The probation officer is employed by the county and responsible for monitoring a child’s progress in relation to their involvement in the court system. He/she may be a potential advocate, or resource for information. Probation Officers generally function as an advocates for children within the juvenile justice system. However, if invited by the parent or school, they may attend school meetings and become involved in the educational aspect of a child's life. If the probation officer is helpful and willing to work with the student and family, he/she should be consistently involved. Regardless, contact the child’s worker whenever problems arise.

Psychologist, School
The school psychologist is responsible for testing and evaluating students for special education. They often oversee special education certified students and their progress within the school, and may be helpful resources in updating a child’s progress.

School Board
The school board is responsible for the financial management of the school district, as well as all policy and governing decisions. Often discrepancies concerning district policies and procedures are referred to the school board, as well as expulsion hearings. School boards also have the responsibility to decide whether or not to expel a student.

School Social Worker
Provides counseling for students, develops and coordinate behavior plans, and refers to other agencies such as Department of Human Services. The parent should remain in regular contact with the school social worker if one has been assigned to their child, regarding any issues and progress in the child’s case. Parents may contact the social worker if they have any concerns regarding their child.

Special Education Director
The special education director is also sometimes refered to as director of student support services, and is responsible for all special education service decisions. Parents may want to contact the director if an issue comes up that cannot be resolved with special education teachers or counselors. The special education director may be present at IEPT meetings, and are available by appointments.

Superintendent
The superintendent oversees the entire school district. He/she is also present at all school board meetings and expulsion proceedings. The superintendent can be contacted when an extremely serious issue arises and informed of any concerns that cannot be resolved at the school-level.

Teacher, General Education
The main objective of a teacher is to teach their students. Ideally, parents and teachers will keep in regular contact regarding the student’s experience and progress in the classroom. Attend teacher-parent conferences, open houses, and informal meetings. This may reinforce a child’s positive relationship with their teachers. Don't be afraid to ask teachers for help, advice, and extra effort.

Teacher/Teacher Consultant, Special Education
The main objective of a special education teacher is to provide educational support to students with disabilities. They are generally focused on a child’s individual development. Special education teachers may provide individual help to a student in a resource room; may co-teach with a general education teacher; may teach in a special education classroom alone or with the help of an aide. Special education class size is usually smaller and students get more individual instruction. Special Education teachers are also active participants in designing and implementing the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Ideally, parents and teachers will keep in regular contact regarding the student’s experience and progress in the classroom by attending teacher-parent conferences, open houses, and informal meetings. This may reinforce a child’s positive relationship with their teachers. Don't be afraid to ask teachers for help, advice, and extra effort.