Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) in California
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with a district-conducted evaluation. When you have concerns about a school district evaluation or questions remain unanswered, an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) can provide additional clarity and insight.
Precision Educational Diagnostics conducts comprehensive IEEs that include a detailed review of existing assessment data, educational records, eligibility determinations, educational programming, services, placement, and progress toward educational goals. Evaluations may also include consideration of the appropriateness of current IEP goals, accommodations, supports, service levels, and placement recommendations, including whether alternative educational settings should be considered.
The goal is to provide a thorough, student-centered evaluation that helps families, school districts, and IEP teams better understand the student's strengths, needs, and educational profile while offering practical recommendations that support meaningful educational progress.
What Is an IEE?
An Independent Educational Evaluation, or IEE, is an evaluation completed by a qualified professional outside of the school district. Families often request an IEE when they disagree with a district assessment or believe their child’s needs were not fully identified.
An IEE may help clarify learning, behavioral, emotional, or support needs and provide recommendations that can be considered by the IEP team.
When to Request an IEE
Families may request an IEE when:
- A student was found ineligible for special education, but concerns remain regarding learning, attention, behavior, communication, social-emotional functioning, autism, or other areas of development.
- Parents disagree with the district's findings, conclusions, eligibility determination, or recommendations.
- A student is not making expected progress despite receiving special education services and supports.
- There are concerns regarding the appropriateness of the student's educational placement, level of support, service minutes, accommodations, or interventions.
- Parents believe additional assessments are needed in areas that were not evaluated or were insufficiently addressed.
- Behavioral concerns persist despite existing interventions, supports, or a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
- There are questions regarding social-emotional functioning, mental health needs, or the need for Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS).
- The IEP team disagrees regarding appropriate goals, services, placement, or educational programming.
- A significant change in functioning, educational performance, behavior, or disability-related needs has occurred since the previous evaluation.
- Parents would like an independent perspective to help guide important educational decisions.
An IEE can provide additional insight into a student's strengths, needs, educational profile, and support requirements, helping families and educational teams make informed decisions regarding services, programming, and long-term educational planning.
Types of IEEs Offered
IEE Psychoeducational Assessment
A psychoeducational IEE provides a comprehensive look at how a student learns and functions in school. Areas reviewed may include intellectual ability, academic achievement, processing skills, executive functioning, social-emotional functioning, behavior, and adaptive or self-help skills.
School-based observations are conducted to better understand how the student functions in the educational environment. The evaluation includes an in-depth analysis of the district’s offer of FAPE, placement, and services through review of school records and interviews with school personnel.
IEE SCIA Evaluation
A SCIA evaluation focuses on Special Circumstances Instructional Assistance, including whether a student may need one-to-one adult support in the school setting.
This evaluation reviews the student’s instructional, behavioral, independence, supervision, health and participation needs. Observations are conducted across school activities/settings to help determine how much adult support the student requires and whether supports can be faded over time.
The evaluation may include an Independence Plan and Fading Plan to support increased independence.
IEE ERMHS/ERICS Evaluation
An ERMHS/ERICS evaluation focuses on a student’s social-emotional and behavioral functioning and how those needs impact access to learning.
This evaluation may include direct student assessment, rating scales, school observations, review of health and developmental history, educational record review, and interviews with parents, educators, and other knowledgeable professionals.
IEE Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
An Independent Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) provides an objective evaluation of the factors contributing to a student's behavior and the effectiveness of current interventions and supports.
Evaluations may include record review, interviews, observations, and data analysis to identify patterns, triggers, environmental factors, and the function of behavior. Recommendations may include behavioral goals, intervention strategies, positive reinforcement systems, environmental modifications, staff supports, and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) development or revision.
The goal is to better understand why behaviors occur and develop practical, evidence-based strategies that support student success across educational settings.
Each Evaluation Includes
Review of FAPE, Placement & Services
Each IEE includes a review of the district’s offer of FAPE, placement, and services as it relates to the evaluation area. This helps the IEP team consider whether the student’s needs have been properly identified and whether the current educational plan provides appropriate support.
The goal is to provide clear, objective findings that help guide educational decision-making.
IEP Meeting Participation
IEE services include attendance at up to two IEP meetings. During these meetings, assessment findings, recommendations, accommodations, services, and next steps can be discussed with the IEP team.
IEE Fees & Funding Options
Precision Educational Diagnostics accepts both private-pay IEEs and school-funded IEEs through direct contracts with school districts and charter schools. Travel fees may apply for locations outside of Orange County.
Psychoeducational IEEs typically require 25 hours of professional time and are billed at $225 per hour. This includes record review, assessment, scoring, interpretation, report writing, related consultation, and IEP attendance. Additional testing, meetings, or services beyond the scope of the evaluation are billed separately at the hourly rate.
Additional IEE services include Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), and Special Circumstances Instructional Assistance (SCIA) evaluations. Fees for these services vary based on the scope of the referral, records review requirements, travel, testing, and reporting time.
School district rate sheets are available upon request.
To discuss your concerns and receive a customized assessment plan, schedule a complimentary consultation by calling or texting 949-424-7357 or submitting an inquiry below.
Get Clear, Independent Answers About Your Child’s Needs
If you have concerns about your child’s school evaluation, services, placement, or supports, an Independent Educational Evaluation can help provide the clarity needed to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does IEE stand for?
IEE stands for Independent Educational Evaluation. It is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional outside of the school district.
When should a parent request an IEE?
Parents often request an IEE when they disagree with a district evaluation, believe their child’s needs were not fully assessed, or need more information about eligibility, placement, services, or supports.
What types of IEEs are available?
Precision Educational Diagnostics offers psychoeducational IEEs, SCIA evaluations, ERMHS/ERICS evaluations, and IEE Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA).
Does an IEE include school observations?
IEEs include school-based observations, teacher input, educational records (report cards, attendance, state testing, etc.), interviews with teachers, school personnel and service providers.
Will the evaluator attend the IEP meeting?
Yes. IEE services include attendance at up to two IEP meetings to review findings and discuss recommendations.