What is an IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation)

An IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation) is an evaluation of a student conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district, which parents can request if they disagree with the school's evaluation.

An IEE stands for Independent Educational Evaluation. It is a psychoeducational or related evaluation of a student performed by a qualified professional who is not employed by the school district. Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with the school's most recent evaluation of their child. The IEE is one of the most important but least understood parental rights under special education law.

When Parents Request an IEE

Parents may request an IEE when they:

Disagree with the school's evaluation results (e.g., the assessment found no disability)
Believe the school's evaluation was incomplete or inadequate (missed a suspected area of disability)
Want a second opinion from an independent professional
Believe the evaluator was biased or lacked expertise in a specific area

The IEE Process Under IDEA

Parent submits a written request for an IEE at public expense to the school district
The school district must respond without unnecessary delay — it must either:
- Grant the IEE at public expense, OR
- File for due process to defend its original evaluation as appropriate
If the district does not file for due process, it must pay for the IEE
The IEE must be conducted by a qualified evaluator who meets the district's criteria for qualifications (but not the district's choice of evaluator)
The IEE results must be considered by the IEP team in any subsequent evaluation, eligibility, or placement decision

What Evaluations Can Be Conducted?

An IEE may involve many types of evaluations depending on the student's needs:

Psychoeducational evaluation — Cognitive abilities, academic achievement
Speech-language evaluation — Articulation, language processing, pragmatics
Occupational therapy evaluation — Fine motor, sensory processing
Physical therapy evaluation — Gross motor
Neuropsychological evaluation — Detailed brain-behavior assessments
Behavioral evaluation — FBA/FCA by an independent BCBA or psychologist
Assistive technology evaluation

IEE at Private Expense

Parents can also obtain a private independent evaluation at their own expense at any time without the district's agreement. These must also be considered by the IEP team.

Why IEEs Matter

IEEs are a critical check on school districts, ensuring that:

Evaluations are comprehensive and unbiased
Parents have meaningful input in their child's educational planning
Children who may be incorrectly identified (or missed) get a second look
Disputes over eligibility or placement have an independent evidence base