Navigating Special Education: When and How to Request Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

Navigating the world of special education services can be overwhelming for parents of students with disabilities. One crucial aspect of this journey is understanding when and how to request Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). These evaluations can provide invaluable insights into a child's needs, strengths, and areas requiring support within the educational setting. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of IEEs, when parents should consider requesting them, and the steps involved in the process.

Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an assessment conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the school district. Its purpose is to provide an objective and comprehensive evaluation of a student's educational needs, often focusing on areas such as academic performance, cognitive abilities, social-emotional development, and functional skills. IEEs can offer valuable information to guide Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, inform instructional strategies, and ensure that students receive appropriate support tailored to their unique requirements.

When to Consider Requesting an IEE: Parents should consider requesting an IEE if they have concerns about their child's educational progress, feel that the school's evaluations are incomplete or insufficient, or disagree with the findings of the assessments conducted by the school district. Some common scenarios that may prompt parents to request an IEE include:

1. Lack of Progress: If a student is not making expected progress despite receiving interventions and support services. Typically, you are able to request a district assessment (in any area) once per year. If that has happened and your child is still struggling, you may want to request an IEE in order to "dig deeper" or if you believe that the school district assessor missed something. 
2. Discrepancy in Assessments: When there is a significant difference between the school's evaluation results and the parents' observations or private evaluations.
3. Complex Needs: For students with complex disabilities or conditions requiring specialized expertise not available within the school district. There are times where the school district does not have a specific type of assessor on staff. In this case, the district might contract with an assessor to conduct the assessment on their behalf... so it wouldn't be an IEE in the true sense of the word. 
4. Conflicting Recommendations: If there are disagreements between parents and school personnel regarding appropriate interventions, accommodations, or placement options.

Steps to Request an IEE:

1. Understanding Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which includes the right to request an IEE at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation.
2. Written Request: Submit a written request to the school district's special education director or the individual responsible for overseeing evaluations. Clearly state your reasons for requesting an IEE and specify the areas you want to be assessed.
3. Selection of Evaluator: Upon receiving your request, the school district must either agree to fund the IEE or initiate due process to defend the appropriateness of its evaluations. If the district agrees, they may provide you with a list of qualified evaluators or allow you to choose an independent evaluator.
4. Evaluation Process: Coordinate with the chosen evaluator to schedule the assessment. Provide any relevant documentation, such as previous assessments, medical records, and IEPs, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
5. Reviewing the Report: Once the evaluation is complete, you will receive a detailed report outlining the findings, recommendations, and implications for educational planning. Take time to review the report carefully and consider how it aligns with your child's needs and goals.
6. IEP Team Meeting: If the school grants the IEE, the school district should receive a copy of the assessment. During the IEP team meeting, the team can discuss the results of the assessment and how the findings can inform revisions to the IEP, including goals, services, accommodations, and placement options. *Important to note: the school district has to consider the results but does not have to accept them as fact and the team does not have to accept all recommendations made by an outside/independent assessor. 
7. Advocacy and Follow-Up: Advocate for the implementation of recommendations from the IEE and monitor your child's progress. If necessary, seek additional support or pursue further evaluations to address ongoing concerns.

Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) can be valuable tools for parents navigating the complexities of special education services. By understanding when and how to request an IEE, parents can advocate effectively for their child's educational needs and ensure that they receive the support and services necessary to thrive in school.

Remember that you are not alone in this journey – seek guidance from advocacy organizations, support groups, and educational professionals to empower yourself as an informed and proactive advocate for your child's education.