IEE Basics

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) Basics

Learn the essentials of Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): what they are, why they matter, parent rights, who pays, and how the process works. CAS provides unbiased, defensible evaluations that support meaningful IEP decisions.

Educational psychologist helping a student during an Independent Educational Evaluation in California

What Is an IEE?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation of a student by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district. Parents can request an IEE if they disagree with a school’s evaluation. The goal is to provide an unbiased, comprehensive perspective that helps the IEP team make well-informed decisions.

Parent Rights

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Parents have the right to request an IEE if they disagree with a district evaluation.

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The district must respond by either funding the IEE or filing for due process to defend its evaluation.

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Parents may choose their evaluator, as long as they meet reasonable district criteria (credentials, experience, licensure).

Student struggling to read during Independent Educational Evaluation basics

Who Pays for an IEE?

When an IEE is requested, it is typically funded by the school district at public expense. In some cases, parents may choose to fund an IEE privately, but most requests under IDEA law require the district to cover the cost or defend their own evaluation through due process.

When to Request an IEE

When a parent disagrees with the results of a school evaluation
When the district evaluation seems incomplete or limited in scope
When the child’s needs have changed since the district evaluation
When specialized areas (OT, SLP, PT, APE) weren’t fully addressed

The IEE Process & Timeline

The IEE process usually takes around 30 days from intake to report delivery. CAS ensures timely communication and clear recommendations.

1

Request: Parent submits written request for an IEE.

2

Approval: District approves or files for due process.

3

Evaluation: Independent professional conducts testing, observations, and interviews.

4

Report: Findings shared in a plain-language report, delivered within ~30 days.

Teacher guiding a small group of students during an Independent Educational Evaluation

FAQ

IEE Basics — Frequently Asked Questions

Who can request an IEE?

A parent or guardian of a student with a disability can request an IEE if they disagree with the school district’s evaluation.

How long does the IEE process take?

Most IEEs are completed in about 30 days, depending on records access, scheduling, and scope of evaluation.

Does the district have to pay?

Yes, under IDEA, if a parent requests an IEE, the district must either fund it at public expense or initiate due process to prove its evaluation was appropriate.

Can parents pick the evaluator?

Yes, parents may choose their evaluator, provided they meet reasonable district criteria such as licensure and experience.

Where are IEEs conducted?

CAS offers statewide California coverage, with virtual and in-person options depending on the evaluation type.