How do I obtain an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) for my child?
- Sean McCormick
- Jun 2, 2022
- 4 min read
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Disclaimer: Please know that there are state-by-state variations for many of these procedures (including the timelines), so you should include a disclaimer that the advice/recommendations are general and that each individual case or situation may need to be considered individually in light of the circumstances and region of the country. Additionally, this is a narrative of my experience only. You are strongly encourage to consult with a special education attorney before attempting to utilize any of these techniques. A list of special education professional by region can be found by visiting the COPAA directory.
An independent education evaluation or IEE will serve as the justification for access to special education services and an IEP, if the IEE qualifies your student as having a learning disability. In order to have an IEE completed, you will need to follow specific steps to request that evaluation. Check out my other article, How To Request An Evaluation For Special Education Services From Your Child’s School for detailed steps on how to to do that. This article will provide you with specific language if you are seeking an evaluation that is to be completed by an assessment professional outside of your school district (the school district will likely want to use their own assessment professionals so be prepared for some pushback).
I learned about this information from one of the most knowledgeable and skilled advocates I know, Sandra Shove, of EPIC Advocacy. EPIC is an acronym for Empowering Parents of Interesting Children and I know for sure that is what Sandra does! Please click on her link if you would like to learn more about her work.
When I asked Sandra about the rights parents have in terms of requesting an IEE, she shared with me that "parents always have the choice of IEE provider, as long as the provider meets the limited criteria that the District/LEA is allowed to set (geographic boundaries, minimum professional qualifications/licenses, and sometimes, reasonable cost limits)."
If you are seeking a district-funded directly IEE, you can use the template below:
Parent
Street Address
City, State ZIP
DATE
School Administrator or Special Education Director
__________ School District
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Re: Child’s Name, DOB
Dear ___________:
I am writing to disagree with the school district’s assessment of my child (NAME) on (DATE of ASSESSMENT).
My child’s date of birth is XX/XX/XX. He/she is in the ___ grade. He/she is attending the ____________ School, in this school district. I am the parent/guardian of ___________. My residence address and telephone number are _____________________________________.
This letter serves as notice that I will be seeking a private assessment at public expense, which I am entitled to under 34 C.F.R. §300.502. I will be seeking reimbursement from the district for this independent assessment.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and prompt assistance.
Very truly yours,
__________________
If you are seeking a parent paid up-front IEE with reimbursement by the district after everything is completed, you can use the template below:
Parent
Street Address
City, State ZIP
DATE
School Administrator or Special Education Director
__________ School District
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Re: Child’s Name, DOB
Dear ___________:
I am writing to disagree with the school district’s assessment of my child (NAME) on (DATE of ASSESSMENT).
My child’s date of birth is XX/XX/XX. He/she is in the ___ grade. He/she is attending the ____________ School, in this school district. I am the parent/guardian of ___________. My residence address and telephone number are _____________________________________.
This letter serves as notice that I will be seeking Independent Educational Assessment at public expense, which I am entitled to under 34 C.F.R. §300.502. Please provide me with the school’s IEE policy and procedures as soon as possible so we may proceed without unnecessary delay.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and prompt assistance.
Very truly yours,
__________________
Hope this helps 🤙🏻
P.S. If you want to work on executive function skills with your students, consider joining hundreds of other educators and parents who have completed my Semester Success Blueprint Course. In less than 2 hours, this comprehensive course will teach you and your student the system I developed to help hundreds of students learn how to manage school effectively and raise their self-awareness and engagement with school.
About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and growing my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.
Want me to speak on executive function skills at your event? Learn more about my speaking topics here.