An independent educational evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation by a qualified examiner who does not work for your school district. If you disagree with the district's evaluation, federal law lets you ask for one at public expense.
"At public expense" means the district covers the full cost or arranges the evaluation at no cost to you.
When you ask, the district must, without unnecessary delay, either pay for the IEE or file for a due process hearing to defend its own evaluation.
The district may ask why you disagree, but you do not have to explain, and not explaining cannot be used to delay.
You can get one IEE at public expense each time the district evaluates your child.
You can pick anyone who meets the district's criteria for qualifications, location and cost.
The IEP team has to consider the independent evaluation when it makes decisions about your child.
Email the school's special education office and ask for a special education assessment. Date it and keep a copy.
In California the school has 15 days to send an assessment plan, not counting breaks over five school days. Once you sign it, the evaluation and IEP meeting must happen within 60 days.
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can ask for an independent evaluation at the district's expense. How that works
A free phone call to talk through where you are and what makes sense next.
General information for families, not medical or legal advice. Dr. Valentine serves families outside Kern High School District.
A free phone call with Dr. Valentine is the first step.