Do you have a child with a learning disability or with autism that is not making academic progress, even though they are getting special education services? Would you like to know what educational and related services your child needs in order to learn how to read, or do other academics? This article will discuss what an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is, and how you can use one to benefit your child with a disability.
The definition of an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) is:
An independent educational evaluation is an evaluation conducted by a qualified person, who does not work for the school district. Parents of children with a disability often get IEE's so that they understand what educational needs their child has and what services they require. Most independent evaluations are parent initiated and paid for by the parent.
Once you have decided to get an IEE, there are several things to consider about the evaluator:
a. Make sure that they are qualified to perform the educational evaluation. For Example: a registered Occupational Therapist could conduct an Occupational Therapy evaluation. If sensory processing disorder (used to be called sensory integration disorder) is an issue, make sure that you find a registered Occupational Therapist who is SIPT certified. If your child has autism, make sure the evaluator specializes in educational evaluations for children with all types of autism.
b. Whether this person is now, or ever has been an employee of your school district. Talk to the person, and make sure that they do not have a relationship with your school district. Be careful, even if they used to work for another school district, make sure they are truly independent, and willing to make recommendations for what your child needs.
c. Make sure that the evaluator is willing to write a detailed report, to include recommendations for related and educational services. Ask the evaluator if they are willing to recommend specific amount of minutes of service and specific methodology for educational and related services. If they are not, consider going to a different evaluator.
Once you have answered these questions, make an appointment and take your child. Bring up any concerns that you have, and make sure that you understand what tests will be conducted on your child. When the report is finished, have the evaluator mail a copy to you. If you have concerns about what is written, you may contact the evaluator and tell them your concerns. Make sure recommendations are specific for minutes, #of times per week, goals, methodology, etc.
Call the school district and set up an IEP meeting to discuss the results of the IEE. If they request a copy up front, you can give it to them. If possible, set up with the evaluator, a time that she or he can participate in the IEP meeting by telephone. By having the evaluator participate, special education personnel will have a harder time not including the evaluators recommendations.
At the IEP meeting, if the school personnel will not put the recommendations in your child's IEP, they must give you prior written notice (PWN), as to why they are not willing to accept, the evaluators recommendations. This notice must include the reason that they are not accepting the recommendations, and what evaluations they are using to refuse. If at the IEP meeting the school personnel do include the recommendations, ask for reimbursement of the independent educational evaluation.
An independent educational evaluation can be invaluable to your child. By understanding what your child's educational and related needs are, you may be a more effective advocate, for needed educational and related services. If your child does not receive an appropriate education their future may be in jeopardy!
