District Guide to Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
Practical, compliance-aligned guidance for California LEAs on approving, coordinating, and collaborating on IEEs that support defensible IEP decisions. CAS provides neutral, evidence-based evaluations with clear, IEP-ready reporting.
When to Agree to an IEE
Districts typically agree to fund an IEE when parents disagree with a district evaluation and the LEA opts not to file for due process. Agreeing can expedite decision-making, strengthen IEP defensibility, and improve family-school partnership.
- Complex profiles (e.g., multilanguage learners, comorbidities)
- Significant disagreement about eligibility/services
- Need for specialized tools or extended observation
- Desire for independent confirmation before high-impact changes
Selecting Qualified Evaluators
Reasonable Criteria
- Licensure/credentialing aligned to domain
- Training with relevant populations
- Geographic/service coverage (statewide or virtual)
Neutrality & Independence
- Clear conflict-of-interest policies
- Non-advocacy, data-driven reporting
- Willingness to collaborate with LEA staff
Fit & Capacity
- Assessment tools that match referral questions
- Ability to observe across settings
- Timely completion and IEP participation
CAS meets standard district criteria and serves families and LEAs across California with psychoeducational, OT, Speech-Language, and APE/PT IEEs.
Records & Coordination
Campus Observations
Observations in natural contexts (general education, special education, small group, lunch/recess, transitions) increase ecological validity. CAS follows site protocols for check-in, confidentiality, and safety.
- Coordinate with teachers to minimize disruption
- Capture environmental factors (lighting, noise, peer dynamics)
- Document task demands, prompts, and independence
Timelines
Districts should respond to parent IEE requests without unnecessary delay. After approval, most IEEs are completed in ~30–45 days depending on scope, scheduling, and records access. Pre-scheduling the IEP helps maintain compliance.
Report Delivery & IEP Participation
- Clear summaries with objective data and plain-language interpretations
- Eligibility analysis aligned to IDEA & CA Ed Code
- Measurable goals, services, and accommodations tied to classroom tasks
- CAS attendance at IEP upon request to explain findings and support consensus
Districts & IEEs — Frequently Asked Questions
Can we require parents to use evaluators from our list?
What if we believe our evaluation is appropriate?
How do we maintain timelines?
Will CAS collaborate with district providers?
Do CAS reports include measurable goals?
Coordinate an IEE with CAS
Neutral, defensible evaluations with clear recommendations and timely IEP support.