Race and Ethnicity Reporting – New U.S. Department of Education Requirements

Each year, every school district in Michigan is required to report student data by race and ethnicity categories set by the U.S. Department of Education to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).  These reports help keep track of changes in student enrollments and ensure that all students receive the educational programs and services to which they are entitled.  In 2007, the U.S. Department of Education released guidance regarding the collection and reporting of student race and ethnicity data.  The guidance instructs all school districts in Michigan to begin collecting race and ethnicity data utilizing a two-part question format starting with new enrollments in the 2010-2011 school year.  This change allows individuals to more accurately identify themselves given the increasing diversity of the nation’s population. 

We would also like to give continuing students the opportunity to re-identify their race and ethnicity using the new reporting format.  If you would like to do so, please print and fill out the Race/Ethnicity Form  and send to Janice Warner, Pupil Accounting Manager, 7265 Saline-Ann Arbor Rd., Saline, MI  48176.  Please contact your child’s school office staff if you would like to check the student data currently on file for your child.  More information regarding the new reporting requirements and data reporting categories as well as a link to the State of Michigan website with more detailed information can be found here.  Please contact Janice Warner at (734) 429-8012 if you have any further questions.