What is an Independent Educational in Pennsylvania and How Often Should They Be Done?

Before a child can begin receiving special education, he or she must be
identified as a child with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act or IDEA. To assess if the child has a disability, the IDEA
evaluates the child using a variety of strategic tools that gather information
about the child. In general, the IDEA evaluation assesses the student’s: motor
disabilities; social and emotional status; health, hearing and
vision; and intelligence, academic performance and communicative abilities.
These IDEA evaluations are generally conducted by the school.

There might be cases when the parents of a child with a disability may need
more information than provided by the school evaluation. Furthermore, there
might be cases when the school evaluator did not follow the correct evaluation
protocols, was not qualified, or failed to assess the child in a certain area
of disability. In these cases, the parents of the child with a disability can
request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).

Who Conducts an IEE?

An IEE in the state of Pennsylvania (PA) is conducted by
a child disability professional that is not in any way associated
with the school or the school district that provides the child's
education. An IEE evaluation typically provides
answers concerning the type and severity of the child’s disability,
and gives suggestions for an Individualized Educational Program
(IEP). For example, an IEE should provide suggestions on the type of
IEP services needed, or whether the current IEP is appropriate and fulfills all
the needs of the child. In addition, parents should make sure the evaluator
includes in the report whether the child should be educated in a regular
classroom, or if she or he needs special education.

When parents express an interest for an IEE, the school is responsible for
providing information about where to obtain an IEE, as well as the
qualifications and the criteria of the evaluator. Parents are not limited to
the list of possible examiners provided by the school; however, the IEE of the
child must meet the same criteria used by the school in the evaluation process.

Who Pays for an Evaluation?

It is important to note that the school has the right to ask
the parents why they did not agree with the school districts’ evaluation. If
the reason is not arguable, chances are that the school will pay for the full
costs of an IEE. Otherwise, the school might initiate a due process hearing. If
the school wins the hearing, the parents are entitled to an IEE but not at the
school’s expense. If the parents win the hearing, the school is responsible for
both parties’ attorneys’ fees, which can be very costly. Thus, it is very
common for schools to pay the cost of an IEE and avoid due process hearings. 

How Often Are Evaluations Done?  

Parents can also request a re-evaluation of the child's needs. A re-evaluation
determines if the child continues to have a disability and / or if
the educational needs of the child have changed. Besides the parents, teachers
and the school district can also request a re-evaluation. In general,
re-evaluation should be done at least once every three years, or anytime there
is a concern the child’s educational needs are not met.

Dr. Grisolano, of the Grisolano Center for Neurodevelopment (GCN), provides IEEs in PA. She and her team of neuropsychologists understand the painstaking IEE process and can assist parents and caregivers in finding the most suitable and
appropriate evaluation for their children.