If you disagree with assessments completed by the school district, you have the right to request independent education evaluations, commonly referred to as IEEs. That means that you can ask the school district to pay for assessments completed by someone in private practice – an independent assessor.
300.502 Independent educational evaluation https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/e/300.502
According to law, you do not need to give any reason for your request, but I find that sometimes, you can avoid problems by giving a general reason. Sometimes school districts will even ask you for a reason.
Keep in mind that the district has only two ways that it can respond to your request:
• It must either provide for the IEEs, or
• It must file for due process to defend the assessments completed by the district.
Please note: You do not need to write a letter requesting an IEE. Since the assessments were completed as part of an IEP, you may indicate on the IEP consent page that you disagree with one or more of the assessments completed for the IEP and that you are requesting an IEE.
You will need to put your name and address and other information to make the letter particular to your child’s needs. The content of the letter is written in first person plural or as if it is coming from two parents. Change the plural pronouns (we, us, our) to singular pronouns (I, me, my) if the letter is coming from one parent.
The letter gives some example reasons for requesting the IEE.
Whether submitting the letter by email or hand delivery, please see “About Submitting Documents.” Remember to consult your state laws or the Procedural Safeguards provided by the school because timelines in your state may differ from those delineated in federal special education laws.
Click the button below and the sample letter will automatically download to your computer or mobile device.
