What is an Independent Education Evaluation, or IEE?

What is an Independent Education Evaluation, or IEE?

Navigating the special education system can be challenging. There is a considerable amount of jargon and procedures that many families must navigate. What do you do if you disagree with your child’s school? If you disagree with the results of your child’s special education evaluation, you have a right to get your own review. In certain situations, this evaluation is paid for by the district, and you have the right to choose the evaluator. That right is called an Independent Education Evaluation, or IEE.

What Is an IEE?

An IEE is an evaluation of your child conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by your school district.

School districts assess students to determine eligibility for special education services and to plan programs. There are many reasons why families request an IEE.

When Can You Ask for an IEE?

You can request an IEE at any time if you disagree with the district’s evaluation.

You don’t need to prove fraud or bias. You don’t need a lawyer. You simply need to disagree with the district's findings or methods.

How to Request an IEE (Step by Step)

1. Put It in Writing

Write a simple letter or email to the district’s special education office:

• State you’re requesting an IEE at public expense.

• Specify the area(s) you disagree with (e.g., academic, psychological, speech, occupational therapy).

Important: Say “at public expense.” If you don’t, the district can say they don’t understand your request.

2. District Response (They Must Do One of Three Things)

Once you request it, the district must, without unnecessary delay:

1. Agree to pay for the IEE, or

2. File for a due process hearing to prove their evaluation was appropriate, or

3. Offer a shared-funding option, where they pay part, and you pay part (rare and not automatic).

If they challenge it, they have to go to a hearing first — they can’t just deny you outright.

Who Picks the Evaluator?

You do. As the parent, you select the evaluator.

But the evaluator must be:

• Qualified to assess the area you want evaluated, and

• Appropriate based on the type of assessment (e.g., a school psychologist for cognitive testing).

Districts can’t block your evaluator just because they “don’t like them,” but they can refuse payment if the evaluator doesn’t meet professional or legal standards.

Common Misconceptions

❌ “IEEs are rare.”

Not true. Many families get them when they disagree with evaluations, especially psychological, academic, or behavioral assessments.

❌ “You can only ask once.”

You can ask every time you disagree. It doesn’t matter whether it is a triennial, initial, or reevaluation.

❌ “The district can choose the evaluator.”

Nope. You choose. They only pay if the evaluator meets the standard criteria.

Why Parents Request IEEs

• District evaluation seemed too brief or superficial

• Tests were outdated or not culturally responsive

• The evaluator didn’t interact meaningfully with the child

• Different results from private evaluations

• You want a fresh perspective before an IEP meeting

This isn’t about “being difficult.” It’s about getting accurate, actionable data to support your child.

Tips That Matter

• Keep everything in writing. Email or letters protect you.

• Be specific. Don’t just say “I disagree.” Say what part and why.

• Get help if needed. Advocates or attorneys aren’t required, but they can help you navigate resistance.

Bottom Line

IEEs are your right under federal and California law. They level the playing field when the district’s evaluation doesn’t capture your child’s needs.

Your child’s services are only as good as the data behind them — if you don’t trust the data, get a better evaluation.