How do I get an independent evaluation at public expense?

Quick answer

An independent educational evaluation, or IEE, is an outside evaluation by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district. If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can request an IEE at public expense. The district must either pay for the IEE or file for a due process hearing to defend its evaluation.

What this means for parents

An IEE is a practical tool when district testing feels incomplete, biased, or simply does not match your child's needs.

• You can request an IEE when you disagree with the district's evaluation, not only at initial eligibility.
• The district may ask why you disagree, but it cannot use unreasonable conditions or delays to block your request.
• If the district refuses to pay, it must request a due process hearing promptly to show its evaluation was appropriate.
• If you pay for a private evaluation yourself, the team must consider the results, though it is not bound to adopt every recommendation.
• An IEE at public expense does not automatically change placement or services, but it often leads to IEP revisions or settlement discussions.

Questions to ask about an IEE

Move quickly after you receive district evaluation reports if you disagree.

1. What is the district's process and deadline for responding to my IEE request?
2. What criteria does the district use for IEE examiner qualifications and cost limits?
3. If the district will fund the IEE, how do I choose an approved evaluator?
4. If the district refuses to pay, when will it file for due process to defend its evaluation?
5. How will IEE results be presented to the IEP team and used in planning?

Simple parent script

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing the district's deadline for requesting an IEE after you receive evaluation reports.
• Assuming a private evaluation you paid for automatically forces the school to change the IEP.
• Requesting an IEE without stating which parts of the district evaluation you disagree with.
• Choosing an examiner who does not meet district criteria without discussing it first.
• Not bringing IEE results to the IEP team in writing and in the meeting.

When to get more help

Consider getting help when the district denies your IEE request without following procedures, threatens due process without clear grounds, or you need help selecting an independent evaluator or comparing reports.