Chapter 3: Referrals and Evaluations

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

Evaluations should provide a clear picture of a student's needs and recommendations for how to accommodate the special education needs within the Individual Educational Program (IEP). If there is a disagreement with the results of an evaluation performed by the school parents have the right to obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).

Requests for IEEs must be submitted in writing to the Special Education Director (or other administrator, such as the principal, superintendent, or Pupil Evaluation Team (PET) Coordinator). Once the school receives the request, it can respond in one of two ways:

• The school must support your request for an IEE at public expense (which means there is no cost to parents) and provide you with information about qualified evaluators and appropriate fees, or
• The school must request a Due Process Hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate.

MSER, Chapter 101, states that the school must respond, "without unnecessary delay, not to exceed 30 days from the date the Independent Educational Evaluation was requested."

Timeline for Independent Educational Evaluations School responds to written parent request for IEE within 30 school days.

All IEEs must be considered by the PET.

An IEE must be performed by a qualified evaluator who is not an employee of the administrative unit (school). Qualified individuals in private practice under contract with the school who have not previously evaluated, instructed, or provided consultation regarding the student are eligible to provide an IEE.

The same regulations and professional standards apply for IEEs. Be sure the evaluator is familiar with MSER, Chapter 101, Section 9.13 standards to ensure that the findings will be considered by the PET.

Payment Considerations

If the school agrees to provide the IEE, it must be provided at public expense.

The parent may also obtain an IEE from a qualified evaluator and submit the bill to the school. However, if this is done, there is no guarantee that the bill will be paid. If the school believes that the evaluation conducted by the school was adequate or that the privately obtained IEE does not meet the required MSER, Chapter 101, Section 9.13 standards, they can request a Due Process Hearing. The Due Process Hearing is the last step in the process of determining who will pay for an IEE.

Parents are under no obligation to request an IEE prior to exercising their right to obtain one.

 

What Has Worked For Me As A Parent... "I had good health coverage and decided to get an Independent Educational Evaluation. Although I am not sure if she will be eligible to receive special education, we have gained valuable information about her strengths and needs. Her teacher and I have both tried some of the modifications suggested by the evaluator." "One of my children has very complex needs. I take him to a specialist often to gain insight into possible ways to deal with both his learning and medical needs. Although the school is not responsible for paying for some of these specialists, I share reports with the school when they may help educators better understand and meet his needs." "Certain learning and processing difficulties "run" in my family. I am familiar with evaluators in my area who are good at evaluating and suggesting modifications for the kinds of learning issues my child faces. My school district agreed to pay for an Independent Educational Evaluation after I explained the need for this evaluation in writing."