Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an assessment conducted outside of the school setting but funded by the school district. The results of these evaluations can be used to determine the best options for the student in terms of school accommodations, services, and appropriate educational placement.

The family, school team, and a Psychology 360 clinician meet to discuss the evaluation’s data and determine the best support options for the student. This may result in the initiation of an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or the addition/modification of supports and services on a current IEP.

Federal regulations state that parents of a child with a disability or suspected disability have a right to request an IEE from their school district.

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If you are considering an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) for your child, here are a few things to keep in mind:

What should I expect in an Independent Education Evaluation?

An Independent Education Evaluation can consist of a psychological or psychoeducational assessment. An IEE includes a classroom observation of the student in the school setting and the presentation of results at an eligibility or IEP meeting.

We administer a “core” of tests with the option to add other assessments depending on your child’s responses, age, and challenges.

When is an Independent Education Evaluation needed?

If a student has a condition that affects their learning, an IEE can assist in determining what services they qualify for. An IEE provides an objective second opinion that can lead to a better academic plan for the student. It’s also an excellent resource when parents/guardians want a second opinion on the school’s findings or their child’s eligibility.

Who can conduct an Independent Education Evaluation?

An IEE can be conducted by a Qualified Examiner not employed by the school district.

A school district cannot impose requirements that could deny the parents’ right to an IEE. While the school district may provide a list of qualified examiners, parents are not restricted to that list and can request Psychology 360 as their child’s primary evaluator.

Psychology 360 is approved to conduct IEEs in California.

A parent or guardian can request an independent educational evaluation at the expense of the school district. If a student is approved for an IEE, the district will fund all aspects of the evaluation.

The finalized report will be shared with the school district in order to support the student and determine eligibility. Psychology 360 assists in all steps related to an IEE and communicates with the family to ensure all areas of concern are assessed. We independently create the test list in order to obtain all necessary data.

Support and Resources Related to Special Education In California

CA Department of Education
Requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act pertaining to independent educational evaluations (IEE).

Parents’ guide to 504 plans and IEPs: What they are and how they’re different
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
All children receiving special education services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a legal document that describes the child’s needs and the services to be provided by the school district that will best meet those needs.
How To Obtain An Independent Educational Evaluation At Public Expense

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When Should Parents or Guardians Consider an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) for Their Child?

Parents or guardians may want to request an independent education evaluation for their child if:

They have concerns with the school district’s most recent special education assessment of their child.
If the family feels that their areas of concern were not adequately addressed or assessed within the school district’s evaluation.
If the school district has denied their child special education eligibility, or services / additional classroom supports, based on the recommendations of a district assessment.

What is the difference between an IEP, an IEE and a 504 plan?

IEP

An IEP is a legal document implemented for students that are determined eligible for special education. This document lists the services, accommodations, and modifications necessary for the student to receive access to free and public education. A special education evaluation is required in order to determine eligibility for an IEP. This evaluation is conducted by the school district when a school team receives consent from a parent.

IEE

IEEs are used as second opinions to the findings of a school district’s special education evaluation. IEEs provide diagnostic clarification and additional assessment data in order to help the family and school team determine the best placement and supports for the student.

504 Plan

504 Plans are plans implemented by schools in order to provide support and accommodations for students with disabilities. A 504 Plan can serve students in Kindergarten through 12th grade as well as at the college level.

If you are interested in discussing the IEE process, please reach out to our team.

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Case Study
Big Steps for Lawrence

Lawrence was referred by his occupational therapist to Psychology 360 for diagnostic clarification and intervention recommendations.

Case Study
Hayden in a Spiral

Hayden’s parents elected to have their daughter professionally evaluated through Psychology 360 in order to explore her explore her emotional health and initiate the supports and treatments that would help her overcome her challenges.

Case Study
Maddie on the Move

Maddie was having difficulty with focus and her parents contacted Psychology 360 for an evaluation in order to determine additional supports, interventions, and school accommodations.

Case Study
Keeping Pace with Carlos

Carlos excelled in a variety of sports, although his parents and teachers noticed that he was struggling with academics and self-confidence which prompted an evaluation at Psychology 360.

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

If you are considering an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) for your child, here are a few things to keep in mind:

What should I expect in an Independent Education Evaluation?

When is an Independent Education Evaluation needed?

Who can conduct an Independent Education Evaluation?

Psychology 360 is approved to conduct IEEs in California.

Support and Resources Related to Special Education In California

When Should Parents or Guardians Consider an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) for Their Child?

They have concerns with the school district’s most recent special education assessment of their child.

If the family feels that their areas of concern were not adequately addressed or assessed within the school district’s evaluation.

If the school district has denied their child special education eligibility, or services / additional classroom supports, based on the recommendations of a district assessment.

What is the difference between an IEP, an IEE and a 504 plan?

IEP

IEE

504 Plan

If you are interested in discussing the IEE process, please reach out to our team.

Case Study
Big Steps for Lawrence

Case Study
Hayden in a Spiral

Case Study
Maddie on the Move

Case Study
Keeping Pace with Carlos

Stay Connected

CONTACT

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

If you are considering an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) for your child, here are a few things to keep in mind:

What should I expect in an Independent Education Evaluation?

When is an Independent Education Evaluation needed?

Who can conduct an Independent Education Evaluation?

Psychology 360 is approved to conduct IEEs in California.

Support and Resources Related to Special Education In California

When Should Parents or Guardians Consider an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) for Their Child?

What is the difference between an IEP, an IEE and a 504 plan?

IEP

IEE

504 Plan

If you are interested in discussing the IEE process, please reach out to our team.

Case Study Big Steps for Lawrence

Case Study Hayden in a Spiral

Case Study Maddie on the Move

Case Study Keeping Pace with Carlos

Stay Connected

CONTACT

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Case Study
Big Steps for Lawrence

Case Study
Hayden in a Spiral

Case Study
Maddie on the Move

Case Study
Keeping Pace with Carlos