Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
Why Choose Us?
With nearly two decades of experience, Leonard Educational Evaluations has earned a excellent reputation with school districts and parents throughout the state. We are the trusted source for IEE's because we provide comprehensive-objective evaluations utilizing best practices, our experience in public school and private sector, and knowledge of federal and state code. We are dedicated to conducting a thorough assessment that gets to the root of the issues, answers the concerns, and provides guidance on best next steps regarding recommendations, interventions, and treatment options!
Technically, what is an IEE?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a second-opinion evaluation requested by a parent who disagrees with the school's evaluation and is performed by a qualified examiner at no cost to the parent, according to IDEA, CFR (34 CFR 300.502), and special education state codes.
Why would a parent request an IEE?
Some of the reasons a parent requests an IEE is due to a disagreement about the report, errors, lack of evidence, did not utilize or interpret appropriate tests, did not consider all information (teacher input, parent input, student input,) or conduct sufficient classroom observations, disagreement about the recommendations, etc. An IEE can also be requested if the district refuses to evaluate the child, the district violates the parent's rights, or many other scenarios. While there can be many reasons to request an IEE, the parent is not required by law to provide an explanation; however, the school can still ask why; and it may be that the school is simply trying to help remediate the issue.
Why would a school district request or agree to a parents request for an IEE?
While an IEE does cost the school district money in order to pay for the services, it can be seen as a wise investment in some cases. The alternative is to pay for legal/solicitor services which will certainly cost twice as much or more much money and more than 30-60 days; of course it depends on the unique needs of the case and many variables and factors that can affect those rates and timelines. In addition, the IEE can help bring both the parent and the school district together in better understanding what the true skill deficits are and how to remediate them. This may or may not reinforce what the school has or is already doing.
Why should we go with Leonard Educational Evaluations for an IEE?
We are respected by both parents and school districts for being experienced, trusted, and caring. Our IEE’s are comprehensive, objective, and helpful. We have completed litigious and complex IEE’s throughout NJ and PA for almost 20 years. We understand federal and state code and best practices. We differ from others in that we have actually worked in schools (as administrators, special education teachers, school psychologists, learning consultants, social workers, etc.) and know curriculum and instruction, specially designed instruction, IEP goals, programs, modifications and accommodations; as well as what is reasonable and appropriate in terms of remediating a student's skill deficits the correct way.
Leonard Educational Evaluations offers virtually every type of test and evaluation needed at our clinic. This ensures a holistic evaluation is conducted to get to the root of the issue, answer the referral questions, and offer recommendations that are appropriate. Our Independent Educational Evaluation is comprehensive and will address the reason for referral and identify what, if any, issues are creating obstacles and determine the best remediation and interventions to address it in school, at home, and in the community.