Sometimes parents feel that the school evaluation missed something, the results don’t match what they see at home, or their child needs a deeper or different assessment. An IEE gives a second, independent opinion.
What Is an IEE?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation completed by an independent evaluator outside of the school district when you disagree with the assessment provided by the school.
This is an option that can help ensure your child is getting the support they need.
What Parents Should Know
You have the right to request an IEE
The school district must either agree to fund it OR prove their evaluation was appropriate (due process)
If approved, the school district covers the cost
You can choose your own evaluator
The evaluation can help guide more appropriate services and support at school
What an IEE Can Include
Cognitive testing (IQ)
Academic testing
Speech and language evaluation
Occupational therapy evaluation
Autism evaluation
Behavioral assessment (Functional Behavior Assessment – FBA, with Behavior Intervention Plan – BIP recommendations)
Why IEEs Matter
An Independent Educational Evaluation often:
Provide a more complete understanding of your child’s strengths and needs
Identify areas that may have been missed in the school evaluation
Support more appropriate services, supports, or placement at school
How We Can Help
We provide Independent Educational Evaluations with a focus on behavior, including Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) recommendations. Dr. Haak also has extensive special education teaching experience and can evaluate the overall IEP, goals, placement, and accommodations to determine if more or different support is needed.
Dr. Haak is one of the few professionals in the Austin area offering IEEs, bringing over 20 years of experience in behavior analysis and school-based support. Each evaluation is conducted personally, with a deep understanding of both behavior and school systems.
What’s Included in the Evaluation:
Observations (typically 8–12 hours)
Data collection and analysis
Interviews with parents, school staff, and other providers
Review of school and medical records
Formal assessment and interpretation
Detailed written report
Clear recommendations for school support
Attendance at the ARD meeting to review results
Timeline:
Most evaluations are completed within 2–3 months, depending on scheduling and district timelines.
Areas Served:
Leander ISD
Lake Travis ISD
Austin ISD
Round Rock ISD
At the end of the process, you will receive a comprehensive report with clear recommendations and guidance to support your child at school.
Private Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Private Functional Behavior Assessments are available for families not going through the school district. The process is similar to an IEE and includes observations, data collection, and a detailed report with recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation completed by a qualified professional outside of the school system. It provides a second perspective on your child’s needs, especially when something doesn’t fully align with the school’s evaluation.
In most cases, the school district covers the cost of the evaluation once the request is approved. This is part of your rights under special education law.
Yes. While districts may provide a list of providers, parents are generally able to choose a qualified evaluator who meets district guidelines.
Private evaluations are also available and follow a similar process, but are arranged independently rather than through the district.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for another perspective. Parents have the right to request an IEE when they disagree with the school’s evaluation.
The request is typically made during your child’s ARD meeting. Families in districts like Leander ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Austin ISD, and Round Rock ISD can request an IEE if they disagree with the school’s evaluation.
School evaluations are completed by district staff, while an Independent Educational Evaluation is conducted independently and typically by someone who has additional qualifications. This can provide a more in-depth and objective look at your child’s needs, along with clear recommendations for support.
Private FBAs are $850, plus a $150 registration fee.