Independent Educational
Evaluation (IEE)
If your child was evaluated by the school district and you disagree with the results, or feel the evaluation didn't fully capture your child's needs, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation. An IEE is a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation conducted by a qualified evaluator outside the school system, and it can make a significant difference in the support your child receives.
At Clary Clinic, we provide IEEs for students across the full K-12 range, from early elementary through high school.
What Is an IEE?
An Independent Educational Evaluation is a formal evaluation conducted by an independent licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist when a parent disagrees with the school district's evaluation. Under federal law, parents have the right to request an IEE, and in many cases the school district is required to fund it.
The specifics of funding and eligibility can vary, so it is worth contacting us to discuss your situation before moving forward. If you are working with a special education attorney or parent advocate, they can also help you navigate the request process.
Who This Evaluation Is For
Parents who disagree with the school's evaluation and feel it did not accurately reflect their child's abilities, needs, or eligibility for services.
Parents whose child was found ineligible for services despite ongoing concerns, and who want a second opinion from an independent evaluator.
Parents whose child has an IEP or 504 plan that does not seem to be working, and who want a more complete picture of their child's profile to bring back to the school team.
Parents navigating a dispute with the school district who need independent documentation to support their position.
No referral is required. You can contact us directly to get started.
What the Evaluation Includes
An IEE at Clary Clinic is a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Because school-based evaluations sometimes focus narrowly on a single area of concern, an independent evaluation often provides a broader and more detailed picture:
Cognitive and intellectual assessment: overall cognitive ability and profile of strengths and weaknesses
Academic achievement testing: reading, writing, and math skills assessed directly
Attention and executive functioning: how your child manages focus, organization, and cognitive demands
Language and processing: phonological processing, language comprehension, and related skills where relevant
Social, emotional, and behavioral assessment: rating scales and history to capture the full picture
Parent and teacher input: collateral information is always incorporated
A comprehensive written report follows, with diagnostic impressions, a clear summary of findings, and specific recommendations for services, accommodations, and instructional approaches. The report is written to be useful in IEP and 504 meetings.
How IEE Results Are Used
The school district is required to consider the findings of an independent evaluation when making decisions about your child's eligibility and services. While the district is not required to adopt every recommendation, an IEE from a qualified neuropsychologist carries significant weight and may change the outcome of eligibility and placement decisions.
If you are working with a special education attorney or parent advocate, the report can also be used to support due process proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an IEE different from the school's evaluation? School evaluations are conducted by school psychologists whose role includes eligibility determination within the school system. An independent neuropsychological evaluation is conducted by a licensed clinical neuropsychologist with no connection to the school district, using a broader battery of tests and producing a more detailed report. The independence matters both for objectivity and for credibility in IEP meetings and disputes.
Does the school district have to pay for the IEE? In many cases, yes. Federal law gives parents the right to request an IEE at public expense under certain conditions. The process for requesting district funding varies, and we recommend consulting with a special education attorney or advocate if you are unsure of your rights. We are glad to discuss the process when you call.
Can the school district reject the IEE findings? The district must consider the findings, but is not required to follow every recommendation. In practice, a well-documented independent neuropsychological evaluation often shifts the conversation in IEP meetings.
My child already has an IEP. Can we still request an IEE? Yes. If you disagree with any evaluation the district has conducted, including evaluations done after an IEP is already in place, you may have grounds to request an IEE.
How long does the evaluation take? Testing is typically completed in a single full-day appointment. Reports are delivered within 4 weeks, though we can discuss turnaround if your situation is time-sensitive.
Is this covered by insurance? IEEs are sometimes funded by the school district. For privately funded evaluations, we are out-of-network with most insurers. CareCredit financing is available for families paying out of pocket.
Ready to talk through your situation? Call us at 320-247-4068 to speak with our clinic director. We are glad to help you figure out whether an IEE is the right next step for your child.