About Speech-Language Independent Educational Evaluations
A Speech-Language Independent Educational Evaluation (SLP IEE) is a comprehensive, unbiased assessment conducted by a credentialed speech-language pathologist who is not employed by your child’s school district. This evaluation determines how a student’s speech, language, communication, and social-pragmatic abilities impact their access to the curriculum and participation in the school environment.
At Comprehensive Assessment Services (CAS), each SLP IEE is carried out by licensed and experienced speech-language pathologists with extensive school-based expertise. All evaluations are overseen by Donald Ghrist, LEP (#2703), ensuring accuracy, clarity, and full compliance with state and federal guidelines for IEP teams.
When Should You Request a Speech-Language IEE?
Families may request a speech-language IEE when they feel the school’s SLP evaluation did not fully identify or understand their child’s communication needs — or when additional clarity is needed for IEP decisions.
- Your child struggles with articulation, sound production, or intelligibility
- Receptive language: difficulty understanding instructions or concepts
- Expressive language: difficulty using vocabulary, forming sentences, or communicating ideas
- Social communication (pragmatics): difficulty with conversation, turn-taking, or interpreting cues
- Stuttering, fluency challenges, or voice concerns
- You disagree with the school district’s SLP assessment or service recommendations
CAS provides comprehensive, defensible reports accepted by districts across California. See how our SLP IEE process works.
The Speech-Language IEE Process
Our speech-language evaluations follow a structured, transparent process designed to provide a full picture of your child’s communication strengths and needs — helping IEP teams make informed decisions.
1️⃣ Request
Parents or districts provide a signed IEE agreement or referral outlining communication concerns. We schedule the SLP evaluation and clarify focus areas.
2️⃣ Evaluation
A licensed SLP conducts standardized testing, conversational samples, observations, language profiles, articulation screenings, pragmatic assessments, and fluency evaluations.
3️⃣ Analysis
Assessment data is analyzed across articulation, receptive/expressive language, fluency, pragmatics, vocabulary, grammar, and academic communication demands.
4️⃣ Delivery
A detailed report and actionable recommendations are delivered within 30 days, including an optional parent or district feedback meeting.
Turnaround Time: Most speech-language IEEs are completed within 30 days of the final session.
The CAS Difference
CAS provides independent, high-quality SLP evaluations built on accuracy, compassion, and a deep understanding of school-based communication needs.
🎯 Truly Independent
Our assessments are unbiased and unaffiliated with any school district — ensuring objective recommendations.
🧠 Highly Qualified SLP Team
Experienced, credentialed SLPs evaluate articulation, language, fluency, and social communication comprehensively.
⚡ Fast, Defensible Reports
All evaluations are completed within 30 days and meet state/federal standards for IEP teams.
🤝 Supportive Communication
Clear guidance, collaborative meetings, and family-friendly explanations throughout the process.
About Donald Ghrist, LEP
Donald Ghrist, LEP (#2703) brings over 25 years of experience in assessment, special education, and school leadership — ensuring every evaluation at CAS meets the highest professional standards.
Donald has served as a Coordinator of Special Education, school psychologist, and founder of a nonpublic autism-focused school. His unique perspective bridges clinical expertise with practical, real-world IEP implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a speech-language IEE evaluate?
Articulation, fluency, receptive/expressive language, social-pragmatic communication, and classroom communication needs.
How long does the SLP IEE take?
Most evaluations are completed within 30 days of the final assessment session.
Are CAS reports accepted by districts?
Yes. CAS evaluations meet state and federal criteria for consideration within IEP meetings.
Do you include speech samples?
Yes — conversational samples, narrative language, articulation screenshots, and fluency measures can be included.
How do I begin?
Start by completing our Speech-Language IEE Intake Form or visiting our Contact Page.
Request a Speech-Language IEE
CAS provides clear, objective, and student-centered speech-language evaluations designed to guide IEP teams and empower families across California.