How do I request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

The first step to requesting an independent assessment is to submit a written letter to the district stating that you disagree with the district’s assessment of your child (you do not need to state why) and are seeking an independent assessment. Although neither California nor the IDEA provides a specific time period within which the district must respond, they should reply without unnecessary delay. Once you request an independent assessment, the district has two choices: it can either 1) fund the independent assessment or 2) file a due process complaint to defend their assessment and show that it was appropriate. If the district chooses to move to due process, they have the burden of proving that their assessment was sufficient. If the district approves an independent assessment, it will work with you on the logistics for obtaining your own assessment.

For more information about IEEs, check out our article Assessments and IEEs.