Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) in Texas: A Guide for Parents

Has your child recently been evaluated at school, but you feel like something was missed? Maybe the results don’t match what you see at home, or the school decided your child doesn’t qualify for special education services — and you’re left with more questions than answers. You’re not alone. Many Texas parents find themselves in this situation, and one of the most powerful tools available is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).

At The Tallest Trees, we know this process can feel overwhelming. Requesting an IEE is not about being confrontational or “difficult.” It’s about advocating for your child and ensuring that their unique strengths and challenges are truly understood. An IEE provides an outside perspective, offering clarity, reassurance, and actionable recommendations that can help you and the school work together to support your child’s success.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What an IEE is and your rights under Texas special education law.

• Why parents request an IEE, including when you disagree with a school’s evaluation or eligibility decision.

• The typical process, from making a written request to attending the IEP/ARD meeting.

• How The Tallest Trees can help families in Texas with clear, parent-friendly, high-quality evaluations.

What is an IEE?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by your child’s school district. Parents have the right under the  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to request an IEE if they disagree with a school’s evaluation of their child.

The IEE provides an outside perspective on your child’s educational strengths, challenges, and needs, giving you more information to guide decisions about special education services and supports.

Why Would You Request an IEE?

Parents seek IEEs for many reasons, including:

• Disagreement with school results – You may feel the school’s evaluation did not fully capture your child’s needs or overlooked key areas.

• Eligibility concerns – At times, the school may decide your child does not qualify for special education, or they may suggest an eligibility category you don’t agree with. An IEE gives you the chance to obtain an independent opinion to confirm or challenge the school’s decision.

• Concern about thoroughness – You may want more in-depth testing, additional areas evaluated, or updated assessments if you believe the school’s evaluation was limited.

• Clarification of services – If you’re unsure whether your child should qualify for special education or what type of supports they need, an IEE can provide clarity.

• Planning for support – A second opinion can strengthen the recommendations for classroom interventions, accommodations, and specialized services.

  
  

Ultimately, an IEE ensures your child’s needs are fully understood and that they have the right supports in place to succeed.

What is the Process?

1. Request – Parents can submit a written request to their district or campus special education department if they disagree with the school’s evaluation.

2. Choose an evaluator – Parents have the right to select their own qualified evaluator. Districts often provide a list of approved providers for convenience, but you are not limited to that list.

3. Coordinate the evaluation – Once an evaluator is selected, the evaluator and the district will coordinate the necessary contract and paperwork for the IEE.

4. Assessment – The evaluator completes testing in the areas you disagreed with or those approved by the district to better understand your child’s strengths and areas of need.

5. Report – A detailed written report with findings and recommendations is provided.

6. IEP/ARD meeting – Once the school receives the IEE report, they are required to hold an ARD/IEP meeting, typically within 30 days. The school must consider the independent evaluation, but they are not obligated to adopt every recommendation. Still, strong IEEs often carry significant weight.

Who Pays for an IEE?

At Public Expense (District Pays):

• If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you can request an IEE at public expense —meaning the district must pay for it.

• The district must respond “without unnecessary delay” by either:

  1. Agreeing to fund the IEE, or

  2. Filing for a due process hearing to prove their evaluation was appropriate.

• If the district’s evaluation is found appropriate, you can still get your own IEE — but you’ll pay privately.

• Parents are entitled to one IEE at public expense each time the district completes an evaluation they disagree with.

Private IEEs (Parent Pays):

• You can always get your own IEE privately, even if the district declines to pay.

• If your private IEE meets district and state criteria, the school must consider it in IEP/ARD planning — even if you funded it yourself.

• Note: If you pay for an IEE before requesting it in writing, the district is not required to reimburse you.

District Limits:

• Districts may have reasonable cost limits for IEEs, but those limits must be the same as what they spend on their own evaluations.

• They can’t set arbitrary restrictions that make it impossible to find a qualified evaluator.

How The Tallest Trees Can Help

At The Tallest Trees, we specialize in high-quality, child-centered evaluations. Here’s how we support families seeking an IEE:

• Experienced evaluators – Our team brings extensive training and hands-on experience working in Texas schools, including bilingual professionals who understand diverse student needs.

• Clear, parent-friendly reports – We present results in a way that makes sense to both families and educators.

• Timely process – We understand the urgency of getting answers and prioritize efficiency without sacrificing thoroughness.

• Collaboration with schools – Our evaluations are designed to integrate seamlessly into the IEP process, supporting effective planning.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Requesting an IEE may feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be viewed as confrontational or “being difficult.” It’s simply a way to gather more information about your child’s needs. An independent evaluation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical recommendations that can help you and the school work together to ensure your child receives the support they deserve.

If you’re considering an IEE, The Tallest Trees is here to help. Our team will walk alongside you—providing expertise, compassion, and practical solutions tailored to your child’s needs.

👉 If you're considering an IEE, don't wait until the next ARD meeting. Schedule a free consultation with The Tallest Trees today.

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