About Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive evaluation completed by a qualified professional who is not employed by your child’s school district. Families or districts may request an IEE to ensure that a student’s strengths and needs are assessed accurately, fairly, and objectively.
At Comprehensive Assessment Services (CAS), IEEs are conducted by credentialed specialists in psychoeducational assessment, speech and language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adaptive behavior, and related services. All evaluations are overseen by Donald Ghrist, LEP (#2703), a licensed educational psychologist with 25 years of experience in special education and assessment leadership.
When Should You Request an IEE?
Parents or districts may request an IEE when additional clarity, a second opinion, or deeper expertise is needed to support a child’s educational planning. Common reasons to request an IEE include:
- You disagree with the school district’s initial or triennial assessment
- You feel the school evaluation did not fully address concerns
- A specialist evaluation (SLP, OT, PT, ABA, Psychoeducational) is needed
- Your child’s needs are complex, multifaceted, or changing over time
- You want a more detailed, in-depth evaluation with clearer recommendations
- There is a dispute regarding eligibility, services, or placement
An IEE provides a comprehensive, unbiased evaluation that centers on the student and supports informed IEP team decisions. Learn more about our IEE process.
The IEE Process
Our IEE process is designed to be clear, thorough, and collaborative. CAS provides actionable recommendations that help families and school teams move forward with confidence.
1️⃣ Referral
A signed IEE agreement is received from the school district or family. We confirm evaluation areas, concerns, and timelines.
2️⃣ Assessment
Depending on the referral, testing may include standardized measures, rating scales, interviews, academic testing, observations, sensory-motor evaluations, or language samples.
3️⃣ Analysis
All data are reviewed to develop a complete picture of the student’s strengths and needs across settings. Findings are interpreted according to federal and state criteria.
4️⃣ Reporting
A detailed, defensible report is provided within 30 days of the final assessment session and includes practical, student-centered recommendations for IEP planning.
Turnaround Time: Most IEEs are completed within 30 days from the last evaluation session.
The CAS Difference
CAS provides independent, child-focused evaluations rooted in accuracy, ethics, and collaboration. Our goal is to equip IEP teams with reliable, actionable information.
🧠 Expert, Multidisciplinary Evaluators
Specialists in psychoeducational, SLP, OT, PT, APE, ABA, and more work collaboratively to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
⚖️ Independent & Unbiased
CAS evaluators are not affiliated with school districts. Reports are objective and designed solely to support the student.
📄 Highly Defensible Reports
Every IEE is aligned with IDEA, California Education Code, and best-practice assessment standards.
⚡ Fast Turnaround
Families and districts rely on our 30-day evaluation and reporting timeline.
🤝 Compassionate Communication
We prioritize clarity, collaboration, and respectful communication with all members of the IEP team.
About Donald Ghrist, LEP
Donald Ghrist, LEP (#2703) is the founder and director of Comprehensive Assessment Services. With more than 25 years of experience as a school psychologist, special education administrator, and evaluator, he oversees every IEE completed by CAS.
His background includes service as a Coordinator of Special Education, leadership in program development, and founding an autism-focused nonpublic school. Donald brings a balanced, student-centered approach to every evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Independent Educational Evaluation?
An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional not employed by the school district, designed to provide an unbiased assessment of a student’s educational needs.
Who pays for an IEE?
If a parent disagrees with the district’s assessment, the IEE is typically provided at public expense. Districts may also request an IEE voluntarily.
How long does the IEE take?
IEEs are generally completed within 30 days of the final assessment session.
What types of IEEs do you offer?
CAS provides Psychoeducational IEEs, OT IEEs, PT IEEs, SLP IEEs, Functional Behavior Assessments, academic evaluations, and more.
How do I request an IEE?
You can complete our IEE Intake Form or contact us directly for assistance.
Request an Independent Educational Evaluation
CAS provides objective, accurate, and comprehensive evaluations that support students, families, and districts across California. We're here to help you get the answers you need.