INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS

Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) are evaluations conducted by professionals outside of a school district to assess a student's educational needs. These evaluations can be requested by parents or guardians of students with disabilities or suspected disabilities. Here are seven benefits of getting an Independent Educational Evaluation.

• Objectivity and Expertise

An Independent Educational Evaluation is conducted by a professional who is independent of the school district and therefore offers an unbiased assessment of the student's educational needs. These professionals have expertise in various areas of disabilities, including speech and language, occupational therapy, and psychology.

• Comprehensive Evaluation

IEEs offer a comprehensive evaluation of a student's academic and behavioral needs. The evaluation includes observations, assessments, and interviews with teachers, parents, and the student to get a full picture of the student's strengths and challenges.

• Personalized Recommendations

Based on the comprehensive evaluation, the evaluator will provide personalized recommendations for the student's educational needs. These recommendations may include changes to the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), classroom accommodations, or specialized educational programs.

• Empowering Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians who request an Independent Educational Evaluation for their child have a say in the evaluation process and receive valuable information about their child's educational needs. This information can empower them to advocate for their child's education and ensure their child receives appropriate educational services.

• Legal Protection

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows parents to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with the evaluation conducted by the school district. This protects parents' legal rights to ensure their child receives an appropriate education.

• Greater Access to Specialized Services

Independent Educational Evaluations may identify specialized services that are not available through the school district. For example, the evaluation may identify a need for specialized speech and language services that the district does not offer. This can lead to greater access to specialized services that can improve the student's academic success.

• Age Groups That Benefit

Independent Educational Evaluations can be conducted for students of any age, from preschool to college age. However, they are most commonly conducted for students in elementary, middle, and high school.

Who Would Benefit from an Independent Educational Evaluation?

• Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who are not making progress in their current educational program may benefit from an IEE. An evaluation can identify specific areas of need and provide personalized recommendations for educational services.

• Parents or Guardians of Students with Disabilities

Parents or guardians who are concerned about their child's educational progress or disagree with the school district's evaluation may benefit from requesting an IEE. An IEE can provide valuable information and recommendations for educational services.

• Students Who Are Struggling Academically

Students who are struggling academically may benefit from an IEE to identify areas of need and receive personalized recommendations for educational services.

Serin Center is an approved vendor for Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)