Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): What Parents Need to Know
I've been getting a lot of questions from parents lately about Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): what they are, when they might be appropriate, and what rights parents have if they disagree with a school evaluation.
If you've recently received your child's school evaluation, you may have heard the term Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) and wondered whether it's something you should consider. The process can feel confusing, especially when you're already trying to understand evaluation results and make decisions for your child.
As a licensed psychologist, I conduct both private evaluations and Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). I also contract with schools to complete evaluations. Because I work in both settings, my goal is to provide families with clear, balanced information about what an IEE is, when it may be requested, and what parents can expect.
What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by your child's school district. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with the school district's evaluation.
What happens if I request an IEE?
After a parent requests an IEE at public expense, the school district must respond without unnecessary delay by either:
Agreeing to fund the IEE; or
Requesting a due process hearing to show that its evaluation was appropriate.
Parents are not required to explain why they disagree, although the district may ask.
Can I choose my evaluator?
School districts typically have reasonable criteria for publicly funded IEEs, such as evaluator qualifications (e.g., a clinical, school or neuropsychologist). If you're considering requesting an IEE, it's a good idea to ask your district for its written IEE procedures and criteria.
Does the school have to follow the recommendations?
Not necessarily.
If an IEE meets the district's criteria, the school must consider the results, but it is not required to adopt every conclusion or recommendation. Instead, the IEP team reviews the IEE alongside all other relevant information when making educational decisions.
How is an IEE different from a private evaluation?
This is another question I hear often.
While an IEE and a private evaluation may use many of the same assessment tools, they serve different purposes.
A private evaluation is obtained independently by a family, typically at the family's expense, for clinical, diagnostic, educational, or treatment planning purposes.
An IEE is a procedural safeguard under IDEA that allows parents to obtain an independent opinion after disagreeing with a school district's evaluation.
The Bottom Line
In my experience, most school evaluations are completed thoughtfully by qualified professionals. At the same time, there are situations where parents have remaining questions, disagree, or believe additional information is needed. IDEA provides a process for those situations.
Whether an evaluation is completed by a school team, through an IEE, or privately, the shared goal is the same: helping everyone better understand a student's strengths and needs so that informed educational decisions can be made to support them.
Disclaimer: This post provides general educational information about IEEs under the IDEA. It is not legal advice. Because state laws and school district procedures may vary, families with questions about their specific circumstances should consult with their child's school district or a qualified special education attorney.