IEE

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the school district. It provides parents with an independent assessment of their child’s educational needs, abilities, and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what an IEE is, how to request one, and when to consider requesting one:

What is an IEE?

An IEE is a comprehensive assessment conducted by an evaluator who is independent of the school district. The purpose of an IEE is to obtain an impartial evaluation of your child’s educational needs, particularly if you have concerns about the accuracy or adequacy of the evaluation conducted by the school district.

How to Request an IEE:

  1. Express Your Concerns: Begin by discussing your concerns with the school district’s special education department or your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Clearly articulate the reasons why you believe an independent evaluation is necessary and express your desire to obtain an IEE.
  2. Request in Writing: Submit a written request to the school district formally requesting an IEE. In your request, specify the areas of evaluation you would like the independent evaluator to assess.
  3. Selection of Evaluator: Upon receiving your request, the school district will provide you with information about qualified evaluators in your area who can conduct the assessment. You have the right to select an evaluator of your choice, provided they meet the qualifications outlined by the school district.
  4. Funding: In some cases, the school district may agree to fund the IEE at no cost to you. However, if the district does not agree to fund the evaluation, you may choose to proceed with the evaluation at your own expense or seek reimbursement through due process procedures if you believe the evaluation is necessary.

When to Request an IEE:

  1. Disagreement with Evaluation Results: If you disagree with the findings or recommendations of the evaluation conducted by the school district, you may request an IEE to obtain an independent assessment of your child’s needs.
  2. Concerns about Adequacy: If you have concerns about the adequacy, thoroughness, or accuracy of the evaluation conducted by the school district, you may request an IEE to ensure that all aspects of your child’s educational needs are adequately assessed.
  3. Desire for an Independent Perspective: Even if you do not disagree with the evaluation conducted by the school district, you may still choose to request an IEE to obtain an independent perspective on your child’s educational needs and to ensure that all available information is considered in the decision-making process.
  4. As Part of Due Process Procedures: If you are involved in a dispute with the school district regarding your child’s special education services or placement, you may request an IEE as part of the due process procedures to obtain additional information and support your position.

Conclusion:

In summary, an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) provides parents with an independent assessment of their child’s educational needs, abilities, and challenges. Parents can request an IEE if they disagree with the evaluation conducted by the school district, have concerns about the adequacy of the evaluation, or desire an independent perspective on their child’s needs. By following the appropriate procedures and advocating for their child’s educational rights, parents can ensure that their child receives the support and services they need to succeed in school.