Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
What an IEE Can Include (Psychoeducational Scope)
Cognitive and Intellectual Testing
(reasoning, problem-solving)
Learning and memory, processing speed, and phonological skills.
Academic achievement in reading, writing, and math.
Social-emotional/behavioral functioning and adaptive behavior.
Attention and executive functioning (planning, organization, working memory).
Record review, parent/teacher interviews, and school/clinic observations.
Understanding IEE
- An IEE is a second, independent evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the public school district.
- If parents disagree with the school’s evaluation, the district must either fund the IEE without unnecessary delay or file for due process to defend its own evaluation.
- Parents are entitled to one publicly funded IEE for each district evaluation they dispute; privately obtained IEEs may also be shared with the school.
- When an IEE is shared, the school must consider the results in decisions about services (if district criteria are met).
- You feel the school evaluation missed areas of need (e.g., attention, dyslexia-related skills, social-emotional factors).
- You disagree with conclusions (eligibility, present levels, or recommendations).
- The evaluation seems too limited or does not explain the day-to-day struggles.
- A major decision (placement, services) is being made and you want an independent view.
- Guidance from federal and state agencies confirms you may request an IEE when an area wasn’t assessed.
- Thorough, independent assessment of cognition, academics, attention/executive skills, memory/processing, and social-emotional functioning.
- Clear differentiation among learning differences, ADHD, autism-related features, mood/behavior factors, and their impact on school.
- A parent-friendly report with plain-language findings and actionable recommendations schools can use.
- Alignment with district criteria for IEEs (e.g., evaluator qualifications, location), so results are considered by the IEP team.
- Intake & record review: history, concerns, and your goals for the IEE.
- Testing sessions: standardized measures and observations tailored to your child.
- Scoring & interpretation: integration of data, behavior, and context.
- Feedback meeting: results explained in everyday language; Q&A.
- Written report: detailed findings and school-ready recommendations (IEP/504).
- Note: If you request an IEE at public expense, the district must either fund it or file due process without unnecessary delay; the evaluator must meet district criteria (e.g., qualifications).
- A clear, independent profile of strengths and needs.
- Documentation schools must consider when determining eligibility, services, and accommodations.
- Practical, individualized strategies for classroom supports, homework, organization, and emotional/behavioral needs.
- Confidence that decisions are grounded in comprehensive, unbiased data.
What Happens for a Child Who Receives an IEE?
Their unique learning and attention profile is accurately understood.
Schools receive independent data that can refine IEP or 504 plans.
Services and accommodations can be better targeted to what works.
Everyone aligns around a shared plan that supports progress at home and at school.
Parents gain language and evidence to advocate effectively at school.
By law, the district must consider an IEE that meets its criteria when making decisions about a child’s educational services (FAPE).
Ready to Talk It Through?
“An independent evaluation can bring clarity, options, and a path forward for your child.”
