Understanding IEE Requests in Montgomery County Public Schools Maryland

Parents and guardians of children in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) often face important decisions about their child’s education, especially when special education services are involved. One key tool available to families is the Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). Understanding what an IEE is and when to request one can help parents ensure their child receives the right support and services.

An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the school system. It provides an independent assessment of a child’s educational needs, often used to confirm or challenge the results of the school’s own evaluation. In MCPS, parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense under certain conditions. This post explains what an IEE entails, when parents should consider requesting one, and how the process works in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Public Schools building entrance

What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

An Independent Educational Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified evaluator who is not affiliated with the school district. The purpose of an IEE is to provide an objective evaluation of a student’s abilities, challenges, and educational needs. This evaluation can cover areas such as:

• Academic achievement

• Cognitive abilities

• Speech and language skills

• Social-emotional development

• Physical or occupational therapy needs

  
  

The results of an IEE can be used to inform the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and help determine appropriate services and supports for the student.

When Should Parents Request an IEE?

Parents may consider requesting an IEE when they disagree with the school’s evaluation results or believe the evaluation did not fully capture their child’s needs. Common reasons to request an IEE include:

• Disagreement with the school’s findings: If parents feel the school’s evaluation missed key issues or underestimated their child’s challenges.

• Concerns about evaluation methods: If the evaluation was incomplete, outdated, or did not include all necessary areas.

• Need for a second opinion: To confirm the diagnosis or recommendations made by the school.

• Dissatisfaction with services: If parents believe the current services are not meeting their child’s needs based on the school’s evaluation.

  
  

Requesting an IEE can provide parents with additional information to advocate effectively for their child’s education.

How to Request an IEE in Montgomery County Public Schools

In MCPS, parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense if they disagree with the school’s evaluation. The process involves several steps:

1. Submit a written request: Parents should send a written request to the school’s special education coordinator or the director of special education. This request should clearly state the desire for an independent evaluation and the reasons for disagreement with the school’s evaluation.

2. School response: The school must respond within a reasonable time, typically 10 business days, to either agree to fund the IEE or initiate a due process hearing to defend their evaluation.

3. Selection of evaluator: If the school agrees to fund the IEE, parents can select a qualified evaluator who meets MCPS criteria. The school may provide a list of approved evaluators.

4. Evaluation and report: The independent evaluator conducts the assessment and provides a detailed report. Parents should share this report with the school to inform the IEP team.

5. IEP team meeting: The IEP team reviews the IEE results and considers them alongside the school’s evaluation to make decisions about services and supports.

   
   

Parents should keep copies of all correspondence and reports throughout this process.

Important Considerations for Parents

• Cost: If the school agrees to fund the IEE, the evaluation is provided at no cost to the family. If the school denies the request, parents can still obtain an IEE privately but may have to pay out of pocket.

• Evaluator qualifications: The evaluator must be qualified and independent from the school system. MCPS may have specific criteria for acceptable evaluators.

• Timelines: Parents should be aware of timelines for requesting an IEE and for the school’s response to avoid delays in services.

• Use of IEE results: The IEE report becomes part of the student’s educational record and must be considered by the IEP team, but the school is not required to accept all recommendations.

  
  

Examples of When an IEE Made a Difference

• A parent requested an IEE after the school’s evaluation did not identify a learning disability. The independent evaluator found evidence of dyslexia, leading to new reading interventions and improved academic progress.

• Another family disagreed with the school’s speech therapy assessment. The IEE revealed additional speech and language needs, resulting in increased therapy hours and better communication skills for the student.

  
  

These examples show how an IEE can provide critical insights that shape a child’s education plan.

Parents navigating special education in Montgomery County Public Schools should understand their rights and options. An Independent Educational Evaluation offers a valuable way to ensure a child’s needs are fully understood and addressed. If you believe your child’s current evaluation does not reflect their true needs, consider requesting an IEE to gain a clearer picture and stronger support.

Taking this step can lead to more tailored services and better educational outcomes for your child. Reach out to your school’s special education office to learn more about the IEE process and how to begin.