Steps for Obtaining an IEE from Your District
 
Requesting an IEE
Parents or guardians must submit a written request to the school district. This request should include the reasons for disagreement with the district's evaluation and specify the areas where they feel additional assessment is needed. The district will then review the request and either approve the IEE or initiate a due process hearing to prove that their evaluation is sufficient.
 
Approval or Due Process Hearing
If the district agrees to provide an IEE, it will offer a list of approved, qualified evaluators or guidelines for selecting one. If the district denies the IEE request, it must file for a due process hearing to show that its original evaluation was appropriate.
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Choosing an Evaluator
Parents have the right to select a qualified independent evaluator. The evaluator must meet the criteria set by the district, which typically includes specific qualifications and experience in the area of assessment needed.
 
Conducting the Evaluation
Once an evaluator is chosen, the IEE will be conducted. This may include observations, testing, and a review of previous assessments and school records. The evaluator may work with the student at home, at school, or in a clinical setting, depending on the nature of the evaluation.
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Review of the IEE Results
After the evaluation is complete, the independent evaluator will submit a written report to the parents and the school district. The report will include the assessment results, diagnoses, and recommendations for services or accommodations. The district must consider the IEE results in its decision-making process regarding the student’s educational programming, though it is not required to adopt all recommendations.
 
IEE Consideration at an IEP Meeting
The results of the IEE will be discussed at an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. The IEP team, including the parents, will review the findings and determine if any changes to the IEP or services are necessary based on the IEE.