Quick answer: An independent educational evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation of your child by a qualified examiner who does not work for the school district. Under IDEA, if you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you can ask for an IEE at public expense. The district must then, without unnecessary delay, either pay for the IEE or file for a due process hearing to prove its own evaluation was appropriate. The school must consider the IEE results.
In this guide
The school’s report says your child “does not qualify,” or it lists scores that do not match the child you see at home. An independent educational evaluation gives you a second, professional opinion that the IEP team must consider. Few parents know it can be paid for by the district.
When an Independent Educational Evaluation Makes Sense
- The school evaluation missed an area of concern, such as language, attention or motor skills.
- Results do not match your child’s daily reality or teacher reports.
- The evaluator used one test or very short observations.
- Your child was found ineligible but continues to struggle.
- The report gives scores without clear recommendations.
For learning concerns, compare the report with our guides to the learning disability evaluation and dyslexia evaluation.
Key point: You do not have to prove the school was wrong to request an independent educational evaluation. You only have to disagree with its evaluation.
How to Request an IEE in 5 Steps
From disagreement to independent evaluation
IEE Request Letter Template
Copy and adapt
Date: [date]
Dear [Director of Special Education],
I am the parent of [child’s name, date of birth, school, grade]. I disagree with the [type] evaluation completed on [date]. Under 34 CFR 300.502, I am requesting an independent educational evaluation at public expense in the following area(s): [list].
Please send me your district’s IEE criteria and any list of qualified examiners. I understand that I may choose an examiner who meets those criteria.
Sincerely, [your name, address, phone, email]
Send it by email and keep a copy. Dated, written requests create a clear record.
What the School Can and Cannot Do
| The school can | The school cannot |
|---|---|
| Ask why you disagree | Require you to explain before acting |
| Set the same criteria it uses for its own evaluations, such as examiner qualifications and location | Add extra conditions or timelines beyond those criteria |
| File for due process to defend its evaluation | Simply refuse or delay without filing |
| Provide a list of examiners | Force you to choose only from that list if another examiner meets the criteria |
| Disagree with IEE recommendations | Ignore the IEE: it must be considered if it meets criteria |
These rules come from the IDEA regulation on independent evaluations (34 CFR 300.502) and the summary by the Center for Parent Information and Resources.
Choosing a Good Evaluator
| Concern | Typical evaluator |
|---|---|
| Learning, reading, math, attention | Neuropsychologist or licensed school psychologist |
| Speech, language, social communication | Speech-language pathologist |
| Handwriting, sensory, motor | Occupational therapist |
| Behavior | Board certified behavior analyst or psychologist (functional behavior assessment) |
| Assistive technology | Assistive technology specialist |
- Ask whether the evaluator observes in school, not only in the office.
- Ask for specific, practical recommendations the school can implement.
- Check that the evaluator writes reports for IEP teams regularly.
After the Report: Making the IEE Count
- Send the report to the school before the meeting.
- Invite the evaluator to attend by phone or video.
- Highlight three to five key recommendations.
- Ask the team to respond to each one in prior written notice.
- Turn accepted recommendations into goals and services. Our present levels guide shows how.
Real-Life Example
Case story
Yasmin, 9, was found “not eligible” after the school gave one reading test. Her father disagreed and requested an IEE at public expense in writing. The district agreed within two weeks and sent its criteria. A neuropsychologist found a phonological processing weakness consistent with dyslexia and observed Yasmin in class. At the follow-up meeting, the team reconsidered eligibility, and Yasmin received structured literacy instruction four times a week.
Parent tip: If the district files for due process instead of paying, you can still get a private evaluation at your own cost, and the team must still consider it if it meets the district’s criteria.
5 Actions to Take This Week
- Reread the school’s evaluation and mark any gaps.
- Decide which areas you disagree with.
- Adapt and send the letter template.
- Research two possible evaluators.
- Review your procedural safeguards.
Independent Educational Evaluation FAQ
What is an independent educational evaluation?
An evaluation by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district responsible for your child’s education.
Does the school have to pay for an IEE?
If you disagree with its evaluation, the district must pay or file for due process to show its evaluation was appropriate.
How many IEEs can I get?
One at public expense each time the district conducts an evaluation you disagree with.
Must the school follow IEE recommendations?
It must consider them, but it is not required to adopt every recommendation.
Can I request an IEE if my child was found ineligible?
Yes. Disagreement with an evaluation that led to ineligibility is a common reason.
In short: An independent educational evaluation gives your child a fresh, expert look, often at public expense. Request it in writing and make the results count. This article is part of our Special Education Law and Parent Rights series.
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Sources
- 34 CFR 300.502, Independent educational evaluation (eCFR)
- Center for Parent Information and Resources. Independent Educational Evaluation
- Disability Rights California. How to Obtain an IEE at Public Expense
- 34 CFR Part 300, Subpart E, Procedural Safeguards
This article is educational and is not legal advice. Rules vary by state.
