What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
An Independent Educational Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by qualified professionals who are not employed by your child’s school district. When a parent disagrees with the school district’s assessment or seeks additional insights about their child’s educational needs, an IEE provides valuable, unbiased information.
Our educational evaluations examine multiple aspects of learning and development, including:
- Cognitive abilities and thinking skills
- Academic achievement across subject areas
- Information processing strengths and challenges
- Attention and executive functioning capabilities
- Social-emotional factors affecting learning
Each assessment is tailored to address your child’s unique situation and your specific concerns as a parent. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to evaluation.
Comprehensive Educational Evaluations to Support Your Child's Academic Success
Is your child struggling in school despite their best efforts? Do you disagree with your school district’s assessment of your child’s learning needs? At Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services, our team of clinical psychologists provides thorough Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) that deliver the comprehensive understanding you need to advocate effectively for your student.
Serving families throughout Sacramento, San Jose, and South Lake Tahoe, our group practice specializes in educational assessment services that help parents and students navigate complex learning challenges and secure appropriate services within the school district.
Your Rights Under Special Education Laws
Special education laws provide parents with important rights regarding Independent Educational Evaluations:
Right to Request an IEE
If you disagree with an evaluation conducted by the school district, you have the right to request an IEE. This request can be made through a written request to your child’s school.
Public Expense Options
In many cases, parents can request that the school district fund the IEE at public expense. The district must either agree to pay for the evaluation or initiate due process to demonstrate that their own assessment was appropriate.
Right to Choose Evaluators
Even when a school district agrees to fund an IEE, parents typically have the right to select qualified professionals of their choice, as long as they meet the district’s criteria.
Consideration of Results
School districts are legally obligated to consider the results of independently obtained evaluations when making educational decisions about a student, regardless of who paid for the assessment.
When to Consider an Independent Educational Evaluation
Several situations may indicate that an IEE would benefit your child:
Conflicting Assessment Results
If previous evaluations have provided inconsistent information or left important questions unanswered, an independent perspective can help clarify your child’s needs.
Concerns About School District's Assessment
You may question the thoroughness or conclusions of evaluations conducted by the school district. Our clinical psychologists can provide a comprehensive assessment that examines areas that may have been overlooked.
Complex Learning Profiles
Students with multiple or overlapping learning challenges often benefit from the specialized expertise of independent evaluators who focus on comprehensive assessment.
Advocacy Support
When you’re working to secure appropriate services for your child, an independent educational evaluation provides valuable documentation and specific recommendations to support your advocacy efforts.
Our IEE Process
At Bridges of the Mind, we’ve developed a thorough process for conducting Independent Educational Evaluations:
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with a detailed discussion of your concerns, your child’s history, and your goals for the evaluation. This information helps us develop an assessment plan tailored to your student’s unique needs.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
Our evaluation includes multiple testing sessions using a variety of assessment tools selected specifically for your child. This comprehensive approach allows us to examine all relevant aspects of learning and development.
3. Information Gathering
With your permission, we collect information from multiple sources, including:
- Previous evaluations and school records
- Teacher observations and input
- Parent questionnaires and interviews
- Direct student observation, when appropriate
4. Detailed Report Development
Following the assessment, we prepare a comprehensive written report that includes:
- Clear explanations of test results in parent-friendly language
- Identification of specific strengths and challenges
- Actionable recommendations for school and home
- Documentation to support educational planning and advocacy
5. Results Consultation
We meet with you to review findings, answer questions, and discuss recommendations. We ensure you fully understand the results and how they can be used to support your child’s educational journey.
Here are a few signs an IEE could be valuable:
- Previous assessments provide conflicting information or leave unanswered questions.
- You have concerns about the adequacy or impartiality of your child's school evaluation.
- You seek an external and unbiased perspective on your child's educational requirements.
At Bridges of the Mind, our IEE process goes beyond assessment; it’s a collaborative journey to empower families and ensure your child receives the support they need in the educational setting.
Reach out to us – together, we can explore the possibilities and embrace the journey ahead.
Areas of Specialized Evaluation
Our group practice offers specialized expertise in evaluating a range of educational concerns:
Learning Disabilities
Comprehensive assessment of specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia (reading difficulties), dysgraphia (writing difficulties), and dyscalculia (math difficulties).
ADHD Testing & Evaluations
Thorough evaluation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and its impact on learning, including assessment of different presentation types and related executive functioning challenges.
Autism Testing & Evaluations
Comprehensive assessment of autism spectrum disorder and their influence on educational experiences, social interactions, and learning styles.
Anxiety & Other Emotional Factors
Evaluation of how anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma may be affecting learning, school performance, and educational engagement.
Benefits of an Independent Educational Evaluation
An IEE from Bridges of the Mind provides several advantages:
Expert Clinical Assessment
Our team of clinical psychologists brings specialized training and extensive experience in educational assessment to each evaluation.
Truly Independent Perspective
As professionals independent from the school system, we can offer objective insights without the constraints that sometimes limit school district conducted evaluations.
Comprehensive Understanding
Our assessments go beyond identifying whether a student qualifies for services, providing deep insight into how they learn best.
Specific, Actionable Recommendations
We don’t just identify challenges; we provide concrete recommendations for addressing them, both at school and at home.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Understanding your child’s learning profile empowers you to advocate effectively for appropriate services within the educational system.
How Bridges of the Mind Can Help
In-Depth Analysis
We conduct a thorough assessment to uncover your child's educational strengths and needs, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.
Advocacy Support
Equipped with our detailed report, we assist you in navigating educational systems and advocating for appropriate services tailored to your child's requirements.
Empowering Families
Our commitment extends beyond assessment – we empower families with knowledge, resources, and ongoing support to navigate the educational journey successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Independent Educational Evaluation take?
Most evaluations require 2-3 assessment sessions of approximately 2-3 hours each, plus time for records review, scoring, report writing, and the feedback session. The entire process typically spans 3-4 weeks.
What ages do you evaluate?
Our group practice provides educational evaluations for children, teens, and adults of all ages, with specialists in each developmental stage.
Can I use an IEE if my child doesn't have an IEP?
Yes. While IEEs are often discussed in the context of special education, the insights gained from an independent evaluation can benefit any student, regardless of whether they currently receive special education services.
How should I explain the evaluation to my child?
We recommend explaining that these activities help us understand how they learn best so we can help make school more successful for them. We work hard to make the assessment process comfortable and even enjoyable for students.
Will my insurance cover an IEE?
No, insurance typically does not cover Independent Educational Evaluations. IEEs are generally either funded by the school district at public expense (when they agree to your request) or paid for privately by families. Our office can discuss the various funding options available to you.
Item #6
Empowering Educational Success Through Knowledge
At Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services, we believe that understanding your child’s unique learning profile is the first step toward educational success. Our Independent Educational Evaluations provide the insights, documentation, and recommendations needed to advocate effectively for appropriate services and support within the school district.
Every student deserves an education that acknowledges their strengths, addresses their challenges, and helps them reach their full potential. Through comprehensive assessment and collaborative planning, our group practice partners with families to make that goal a reality.
Contact our office today to learn more about how an Independent Educational Evaluation can support your child’s educational journey in Sacramento, San Jose, or South Lake Tahoe. Together, we can build bridges to learning success.