You know your child better than anyone.

If your child’s school evaluation does not reflect who your child really is,

Trust Your Instincts.

You have the right to request an

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

Often Provided at Public Expense

Why Parents Seek Out IEEs

• Their child was denied special education eligibility
• The school evaluation felt rushed or incomplete
• Results don’t match what they see at home
• Concerns about ADHD, autism, or learning differences were minimized
• They need a legally-defensible report for litigation

I can help–I provide Independent Educational Evaluations in Fresno, Madera, Merced & Across California.

Let’s make sense of what is hard – and restore your peace.

A comprehensive evaluation provides the clarity you need to move forward, and getting the right support in place early can have a profound impact on your child’s success and well-being.

What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive special education/learning assessment conducted by a qualified evaluator not employed by the school district.

In California, if you disagree with a district evaluation, and you request an IEE, the District must:

• Fund the IEE, or
• File for Due Process to defend their evaluation.

An Experienced Evaluator Matters

Marcia Miller, LEP, NCSP

For over 20 years I have supported and advocated for students in special education programs in California.

I have:

• Conducted hundreds of psychoeducational evaluations
• Led special education departments, bringing them into compliance with state and federal law
• Managed OCR, CDE, and Due Process complaints
• Taught graduate-level school psychology students
• Worked directly inside the systems parents are navigating

I conduct IEEs in:

• Fresno
• Madera
• Merced
• Throughout California

If you disagree with your child’s school district evaluation and want to request an independent educational evaluation, you will want to put your request in writing.

You may use this template:

Subject: Request for Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

Dear [Special Education Director / Case Manager / Program Specialist],

I am the parent/guardian of [Student Name], who is currently enrolled in [Name of School District]. I am writing to formally request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense, as I disagree with the district’s most recent evaluation completed on or about [date].

At this time, I am requesting an IEE in the following area(s; list as many as apply):
[Psychoeducational / Autism Assessment / ADHD Assessment / Speech & Language / Occupational Therapy / Adaptive P.E. /Functional Behavior Assessment / Other].

Please provide the district’s IEE policy, including evaluator qualifications, cost guidelines, and the process for selecting an independent evaluator.

I look forward to your written response.

Sincerely,
[Parent Name]
[Contact Information]
[Student Name & DOB]

If you want to talk this through with an expert or if you need help writing a letter, book a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About IEEs in California

Do I have to explain why I disagree?
No. California parents may request an IEE at public expense without providing a detailed explanation.

How long does the district have to respond?
The district must respond without unreasonable delay by either agreeing to fund the IEE or filing for due process.

Does the school have to follow the IEE recommendations?
The IEP team must consider the results but is not required to adopt the recommendations.

Can I choose my own evaluator?
Yes, as long as the evaluator meets district criteria related to licensure, location, and reasonable cost limits.

Trust your instincts.

You are not overreacting.

If your child is struggling, a quality comprehensive evaluation is an important first step. Understanding the root causes of the difficulties is the only way to know how to help. And getting the right support in place early, can have a profound impact on your child’s future success and happiness.

If you want to talk this through with an expert or if you need help writing a letter, book a free consultation.

Serving families in Fresno, Madera, Merced, and throughout California.