Empowering Parents to Advocate for Fair and Accurate Educational Support
An Independent Educational Evaluation can be a powerful tool to clarify your child’s learning profile, improve their access to services, and ensure they receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) as guaranteed under IDEA.
If you're navigating the IEP process and believe your child was misidentified, under-assessed, or denied appropriate services, an IEE may provide the clarity and documentation needed to advocate effectively.
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What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a private, third-party assessment of a student’s learning needs conducted by a qualified professional not employed by the public school district. It serves as an objective, second opinion when parents or guardians disagree with the results of a school-conducted evaluation related to special education eligibility or services.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 CFR § 300.502, parents have the legal right to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with a school district’s evaluation.
When to Request an IEE
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You may consider requesting an IEE if:
- The school refuses to evaluate your child despite concerns of a suspected disability
- You disagree with the school’s evaluation results, diagnosis, or eligibility determination
- You believe the evaluation was incomplete, outdated, or not culturally or linguistically appropriate
- Your child’s private provider disagrees with the school’s findings
- You question the qualifications of the school’s evaluator or the testing tools used
- The evaluation missed key areas of concern, such as executive functioning, dyslexia, or processing speed
- The school failed to assess adaptive functioning, behavior, or emotional difficulties
- The testing environment or administration may have affected the validity of the results
What Types of Evaluations Can Be Reconsidered Through an IEE?
504 Plan evaluations are not covered under IDEA and are not eligible for an IEE at public expense, although private evaluations may still inform 504 planning. An IEE can be requested in response to:
- An Initial Evaluation for special education eligibility
- A Triennial Reevaluation
- Any school-conducted assessment that contributes to an IEP (Individualized Education Program)
What Is the School’s Role in the IEE Process?
The evaluator you select must meet the same standards as school-contracted providers—but you have the right to choose any qualified evaluator, even if not listed by the district.
Once an IEE request is made:
- The school district may ask for the reasons for your disagreement, but cannot require you to explain or delay the process
- The district must respond without unnecessary delay, generally within 30 calendar days
- If the district agrees to fund the IEE, they must provide:
1. Their criteria for evaluators (e.g., licensing, location, cost guidelines)
2. A list of potential independent evaluators (though you are not required to choose from the list)
What to Expect From the IEE Process
The report is submitted to both the parent/guardian and the school district. A high-quality IEE includes:
The evaluator will examine previous evaluations, IEPs, teacher reports, report cards, medical records, and other relevant documentation.
The evaluator may interview the student, caregivers, and educators to understand the student's developmental, medical, academic, and behavioral history.
Depending on the referral concerns, assessments may include:
- Cognitive testing (IQ, executive functioning, processing speed)
- Academic achievement (reading, writing, math)
- Attention and memory functioning
- Language and communication skills
- Social-emotional and behavioral evaluations
- Autism spectrum screening
- Adaptive functioning
- Sensory processing assessments (if needed)
Direct observation of the child in school or clinical settings may be included to assess classroom behavior and environmental fit.
The evaluator will produce a written report that includes:
- Results of all assessments
- Diagnoses (if applicable)
- Strengths and challenges
- Recommendations for supports, services, and accommodations
- Opinions on eligibility for special education or program modifications
The report is submitted to both the parent/guardian and the school district.
ADHD Testing Accommodations and Workplace Support
Ubuntu Psychological Services works collaboratively with families, schools, and employers to help implement these supports. A formal diagnosis of ADHD can open the door to supportive accommodations at school and work:
How to Request an IEE
Submit a written letter or email to your school district stating:
- That you disagree with the results of the school’s evaluation
- That you are requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense
Keep a dated copy for your records. You may send your request via certified mail, email, or fax. If the school does not respond within a reasonable time or denies your request without filing for due process, it may be helpful to consult a special education advocate or attorney.