Services

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner not employed by the public agency (school district) responsible for the child’s education.  An IEE  can encompass any skill or area of concern related to your child’s education such as behavior, social skills, cognitive, and academic skills. An IEE may be obtained by parents at their own expense or at public expense.

Per federal regulations, parents are entitled to attain an IEE (at public cost) via signed letter request if they disagree with the school district’s findings or recommendations (i.e., psychoeducational report, IEP,  504 plan). Typically, the school district has 15 days to respond, schedule a meeting to address concerns/disagreements, and calendar a due process hearing (if necessary). If the school is unable to demonstrate their evaluation adequately addressed the student’s needs, a new evaluation is referred out to an independent provider at public expense.

Sometimes, a school district will innate an IEE request because they lack the personnel or expertise to conduct a particular type of evaluation. A school district may also seek an IEE when parents are concerned with the  fairness or accuracy of an evaluation. An Independent educational evaluation can be a valuable tool for parents and school staff interested in accurately determine a child’s needs.