Independent Evaluation

• An Independent Evaluation is an evaluation done by a qualified person who is not employee of the school district.
  
  
• Parent may request an Independent evaluation if they disagree with the school district evaluation.
  
  
• The school district must pay for an independent Evaluation or request a due process hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate.
  
  
• A parent may also have a child evaluated by an independent professional at their expense.
  
  
• The IEP team must consider the recommendations of an independent evaluation when designing a program for the child, as long as the evaluation meets the same requirements as the school district evaluation.
  
• An Independent Evaluation may be used as evidence at a due process hearing.

In order to request an Independent Evaluation the School District must have conducted an Evaluation and you DISAGREE with their findings/evaluation.

Put your request in writing, (click here for sample letter) send original to the Principal of the School where your child attends, and send a copy to the Regional Special Education Director and/or Case Manager, and to your Advocate and/or Lawyer.