What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

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

In California, when a parent disagrees with a district evaluation, the district must:

• Agree to fund the IEE without unreasonable delay, or
• File for Due Process to defend its evaluation.

A district may not ignore your request, pressure you to withdraw it, or impose additional barriers beyond standard criteria such as evaluator qualifications, geographic limits, or reasonable cost guidelines.

An IEE provides an objective, thorough, and legally defensible second opinion regarding:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Specific learning disabilities
• Executive functioning
• Emotional or behavioral concerns
• Eligibility for special education services
• Appropriate level of support

The results of an IEE must be considered by the IEP team when making decisions about eligibility, services, and placement — even if the district ultimately disagrees with the conclusions.

Why Parents in Fresno, Madera, and Across California Request an IEE

Parents typically reach out when:

• Their child was denied special education eligibility
• Services were reduced or dismissed
• The evaluation felt rushed or incomplete
• Testing results do not match what they observe at home
• Concerns about autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities were minimized
• The assessment did not fully examine cognitive processing or social-emotional functioning

An Independent Educational Evaluation brings clarity to what is truly driving your child’s struggles. During critical developmental years, precision matters — because the right intervention at the right time can change the trajectory of a child’s academic success and emotional well-being.

Marcia Miller, LEP, NCSP

An Experienced Evaluator Matters

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 know how to do comprehensive and legally-defensible assessments. I know how school districts operate behind the scenes. And, I know how to help you work with your district to get the support that your child needs to be successful.

How to Request an IEE in California

If you disagree with your child’s school district evaluation and want an independent evaluation, submit a written request.

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.

Considering an Independent Educational Evaluation?

If your child was denied eligibility, dismissed from services, or offered support that does not meet their needs, an Independent Educational Evaluation can help provide clarity. This clarity is critical to understanding what interventions and supports will help.

I offer a focused consultation to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and discuss next steps.

Schedule Your IEE Consultation Here:

You are not alone, AND you have rights. If your child is struggling, a quality assessment is the most important first step. Understanding the root cause of their challenges is the only way to know which interventions will help. And, getting the right support in place early can have a profound impact on your child’s future success and happiness.

Serving families in Fresno & Madera and throughout California.