8 Facts for Parents About Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a private assessment that determines whether a student has a condition that impairs their ability to learn. IEEs are used to inform students’ 504 Plans or IEPs, ensuring they receive appropriate services, accommodations, and modifications to help them succeed. While public school districts can provide internal testing, IEEs are typically more comprehensive. Because IEEs are administered by qualified examiners who are not employed by school districts, IEEs prioritize family involvement, provide objective opinions, and put testing results in the hands of families before anyone else.
Whether you are contemplating an IEE for an initial evaluation, or seeking a second opinion after a district’s recent assessment, brush up on your IEE knowledge with these 8 facts:
1. The meaning of “IEE” can vary
In public schools, the term Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) stems from the Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) and refers to private evaluations conducted by a third-party evaluator. The purpose of IEEs is to determine whether a student has a diagnosis that impairs their learning and qualifies them for special education. In cases where parents do not agree with their school’s testing methods or conclusions, an IEE serves as a legal mechanism for parents to get a second opinion. They can request an IEE at the district’s expense or pay for an IEE without the district’s involvement.
In private schools, “IEE” is used more broadly to describe any type of private educational testing (e.g., testing for giftedness or for disabilities), and not necessarily for the purpose of qualifying for special education. Parents who homeschool or send their kids to a private school can seek out a third-party IEE without any involvement from their public school district.
2. They provide quality, objective assessments
Although school districts employ staff evaluators, districts don’t always agree to test students at parents’ requests. Even when they do, their test results are generally not as reliable as those of an IEE. Outdated methods, insufficient testing tools, faulty data, or underqualified staff can all lead to inaccurate results that prevent a student from receiving appropriate support . If a parent disagrees with their school’s test results or eligibility determinations, an IEE can provide an objective second opinion. Ultimately, this can lead to a better education plan for the student.
3. IEEs are expert-led
IEEs are administered by highly qualified experts, including educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, or neuropsychologists with expertise in learning disabilities and diagnostic testing. District evaluators may have similar qualifications, but because they are employed by the school district, they may hold biases or conflicts of interest that impact test results. For this reason, many parents prefer to pursue IEEs with private evaluators. While your child’s school may provide a list of recommended private evaluators, you are not required to choose from their referrals.
Our evaluators at Variations Psychology work to prioritize you and your student’s best interests. Schedule your consultation below to learn if an IEE is right for your student.
4. Parent involvement is encouraged
When schools provide internal testing, they typically don’t involve parents in deciding which tests to administer to their child. IEEs place far more weight on the opinions of the parents, actively seeking their input throughout the testing process. After an IEE evaluator discusses assessment options, parents remain actively involved in deciding which assessments are administered. They also play a key role in shaping the evaluation process as it progresses. The benefit of parent participation is twofold: evaluators are better informed of the student’s unique needs, while parents are ensured that the assessment plan reflects their family’s concerns.
5. Results can be confidential
When a student is evaluated by their school, the school receives the child’s test results before the parents. The test’s findings are then added to the student’s academic record whether parents agree with them or not. Families seeking a confidential alternative can privately seek an IEE before deciding whether to involve their school district; when parents do pursue a privately funded IEE independently, they are the first to learn their child’s results, and they have total control over who they do or don’t share them with. It’s important to note that in cases where the school district pays for an IEE, results are released to both schools and parents at the same time. The only way to ensure confidentiality is to privately pursue an IEE without involving the school district.
6. They improve 504 Plans & IEPs
Part of an IEE evaluator’s role is to provide detailed reports of their findings, which can influence decisions made by your student’s education team. IEE reports include a detailed listing of the tests that were administered, the results of each test, a statement explaining how any identified impairment(s) impede the student’s ability to learn, and detailed recommendations for accommodations, services, and appropriate placement. Because IEEs provide a more in-depth analysis than district evaluations, IEE recommendations can better inform your child’s education team, resulting in a more effective 504 Plan or IEP.
Keep in mind, however, that while schools are required to take IEE findings into consideration for the child’s 504 or IEP, they are not required to accept or follow IEE recommendations.
7. You may be responsible for the cost
Most of the time, parents are responsible for paying for IEEs. However, there are circumstances when school districts are financially liable.
When must parents pay for an IEE?: Parents who privately seek an IEE without involving their school district are required to pay out of pocket. In some cases, parents may elect to share IEE findings with the district and pursue reimbursement. However, districts do not always agree to pay.
When must school districts pay for an IEE?: According to IDEA, school districts must cover the cost of private assessments if parents dispute the district’s evaluation and the district concurs that additional assessment is warranted.
8. You need to retest every 3 years
Under IDEA, a student must undergo re-evaluation once every three years to confirm their continued eligibility for services. Private schools are not required to adhere to this mandate, but many of them choose to follow the three-year re-evaluation schedule as well. During re-evaluations, the student’s current information, records, and test results are reviewed to determine whether there are any changes to their eligibility for services. If it’s time for your student to be re-evaluated, an IEE from Variations Psychology can provide a comprehensive assessment to confirm your child’s needs and recommendations.
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More about Variations Psychology
Variations Psychology is a group practice specializing in diagnostic testing to identify psychological conditions.
Our comprehensive evaluations test for conditions that impact mental health and development such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, learning disorders, and developmental delays.
In addition to diagnostic services, we offer Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) of K-12 students to assess needs for accommodations in school and determine their appropriate placements. IEEs provide an objective second opinion on existing IEP and 504 Plans.
For K-12 and post-secondary students, we offer evaluations to assess needs for accommodations on standardized tests, college entrance exams (e.g. - SAT, ACT, AP Exams), and graduate and professional licensing exams (e.g. - MCAT, LSAT, GRE, CBEST, NCLEX, GMAT, CA Cosmetology Exam, CA Contractors State Licensing Exam, CA Bar Exam).
Schedule your consultation below to learn how our diagnostic services can support you and your family.
Variations Psychology is located in Newport Beach, CA and provides psychological testing to residents throughout Orange County and its surrounding areas including Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Irvine, Shady Canyon, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, and more.
References:
Lightner, L. (2020) IEE Independent Education Evaluations. When, Why, & How to Request One. A Day in Our Shoes. Retrieved from https://adayinourshoes.com/iee-independent-education-evaluation/
Morin, A. (n.d.) Private Evaluations: What You Need to Know. Understood.org. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/evaluations/evaluation-basics/outside-evaluations-the-difference-between-private-and-independent
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Sec. 300.502 Independent Educational Evaluation (2017). U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/e/300.502
Right to Obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (2017). Center for Parent Information & Resources. Retrieved from https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iee/
Shinn. M.M. (2024). 7 Steps to Take if Your Kid Is Facing School Retention. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/7-steps-to-take-if-your-kid-is-facing-school-retention
Shinn. M.M. (2022). “Could I Have ADHD?”: 7 Tips to Identify and Manage Executive Functioning Challenges. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/could-i-have-adhd-7-tips-to-identify-and-manage-executive-functioning-challenge
Shinn. M.M. (2020). Detecting Dyslexia: Could My Kid Have It? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/detecting-dyslexia-could-my-kid-have-it
Shinn, M.M. (2018). Graduate Student’s Guide to Test Accommodations: The LSAT, MCAT, GRE, NCLEX, CBEST, GMAT, Cosmetology Exam, Contractors Exam, & Bar Exam. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/graduate-students-guide-to-test-accommodations
Shinn. M.M. (2020). Understanding Education Plans: A Parent’s Guide to 504s and IEPs. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/understanding-education-plans-a-parents-guide-to-504s-and-ieps
Shinn. M.M. (2021). Why is Math So Hard for My Kid? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/why-is-math-so-hard-for-my-kid-wctwz
Thurston, R.C. (2013). When is it Time to Request an Independent Educational Evaluation? Special Education Guide. Retrieved from https://www.specialeducationguide.com/blog/when-is-it-time-to-request-an-independent-educational-evaluation-iee/
How to Cite This Blog Article:
Shinn. M.M. (YEAR). TITLE. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/8%20Facts%20for%20Parents%20About%20Independent%20Educational%20Evaluations%20(IEEs)