What to Do If You Disagree with Your Child’s School Evaluation
So, you've gone through the MTSS process, referral process, and school evaluation. Maybe your child qualified for an IEP—or maybe they didn’t.
But what if you don’t agree with the district’s assessment?
That’s where an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) comes in.
When Should You Request an IEE? 🤔
You might consider an IEE at public expense if:
✔ You disagree with the district’s evaluation of your child.
✔ The school missed critical areas that should have been assessed.
✔ The district denied special education eligibility or services based on a poor evaluation.
If any of these apply, you have the right to request an IEE. Here’s how.
Step 1: Submit a Written Request for an IEE ✉️
📌 What to Do:
✔ Write an email or letter to the Special Education Director or your child’s Case Manager.
✔ State that you disagree with the school’s evaluation.
✔ Request an IEE at public expense.
💡 Important: The school may ask why you disagree, but you are NOT required to explain. They cannot delay your request if you refuse to give a reason.
Step 2: Wait for the School’s Response ⏳
📌 How long should this take?
✔ The district must respond “without unnecessary delay.”
✔ 15 school days is generally considered acceptable.
📌 What happens next?
✔ Most schools approve the IEE to avoid legal disputes.
✔ They may suggest providers, but you can choose any provider you like.
✔ If no response, send another letter stating you interpret their silence as agreement.
Step 3: Schedule the IEE With a Private Provider 📝
Private evaluations usually include:
📌 1️⃣ Intake Meeting:
Review background history and concerns.
Go over the school’s evaluation to determine disagreements.
Plan out the private testing process.
📌 2️⃣ Testing Sessions:
The provider administers the agreed-upon assessments.
Tests may include IQ, academic achievement, executive functioning, social-emotional, and behavioral assessments.
📌 3️⃣ Follow-Up Meeting:
The private provider reviews the results with you.
They discuss recommendations for services and accommodations.
(💡 Most private evaluations require multiple sessions—plan accordingly!)
Step 4: Review the IEE Results With the School 🏫
📌 Schedule a follow-up meeting with the school to:
✔ Discuss the IEE findings
✔ Compare results with the district’s evaluation
✔ Make recommendations for services and supports
📌 Can the private provider attend?
✔ Ideally, yes. But if they can’t, the school psychologist should be able to interpret the results.
Step 5: Resolution, Mediation, or Due Process ⚖️
✔ Best-case scenario: The IEE results lead to the right services for your child. 🎉
✔ If the school refuses to provide services: You can pursue mediation or due process with the state Department of Education.
📌 Need legal support? If you reach this point, call us—we can refer you to excellent parent advocates.
IEE FAQs & Pro Tips 💡
📌 Who Pays for the IEE?
✔ If approved, the school district pays.
✔ If denied, you can pay privately or challenge the decision.
📌 Can the school refuse my request?
✔ Yes, but only if they prove their evaluation was appropriate in a due process hearing.
✔ Most districts approve the request to avoid legal battles.
📌 What if I already paid for a private evaluation?
✔ You can’t get reimbursed, but you can submit the results to the school for review.
📌 Can the school ignore the IEE results?
✔ They must consider them—but they don’t have to accept every recommendation.
📌 How long does the process take?
✔ Anywhere from 2-6 months, depending on testing availability.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights & Advocate for Your Child 🏫💙
🚨 Schools don’t always get it right. If you believe your child needs more support, an IEE is a powerful tool to advocate for the right services.
💡 Have questions? Drop them in the comments! 👇
📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466
📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org
🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org
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