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Episode #085: What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

W

hen it comes to parents advocating for their child’s education there can be so much to navigate, many times parents don’t even know their legal rights. Amanda Selogie and Vicki Brett are attorneys and founders of The Inclusive Education Project, a non-profit organization that educates families on special education rights.

If you have a child receiving in school therapy or you’re a school based provider, you may have heard the term IEE. But what is it? An IEE is an Individual Education Evaluation performed by a qualified person not employed by the school district. This evaluation is a legal right detailed in 34 CFR § 300. 502.

The purpose of IEE is to service the child. Not the parent. Not any providers. Not the school district. This is why these can be such a great tool. Parents might seek these out if a child’s education plan is missing critical assessments or if there is a disagreement in the analysis of any assessments. The idea is to get a full scope and understanding of a child’s abilities and needs to best inform their education and any interventions or services. When requesting an IEE it’s important to look at what’s the concern with the current assessments, and what is the goal an IEE can help achieve?

If you’re a school based provider, do not be offended about the request for an IEE. The need for an IEE does not mean a therapist, or provider is not doing their job. There are certain limits that can prevent authentic results, such as access to limited assessments, testing environments, and sometimes a damaged rapport. The benefit of an IEE being conducted by a non-school district employed provider means that often the evaluator has different, more complex qualifications and expertise. Meaning, the evaluator can assess and analyze across disciplines. An IEE evaluator can offer fresh perspective, new environment, and more variety in assessment options.

When we’re determining an education plan for a child, more information is ALWAYS better. The more everyone knows about a child’s needs and abilities, the more detailed and purposeful goals can be made. Amanda and Vicki are doing great work spreading awareness of parents rights for their children’s education. You can reach them at their website, social media, or via email.

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Today’s Guest:

The Inclusive Education Project (“IEP”) is a non-profit organization that educates families on special education rights and connects qualifying California families with pro bono legal aid for Special Education and Affirmative Immigration support. IEP seeks to spread awareness of parent rights by providing parent workshops and seminars. IEP also fundraises through charity events to fund pro bono legal aid to California children and families that could not otherwise fund legal representation. We are here to make a difference, one child at a time.

Amanda Selogie received a degree in Child and Adolescent Development, specializing in Education from California State University, Northridge and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School. While at WLS, Amanda was a Fellow in the prestigious Center for Children’s Rights Fellowship Program, served in the school’s pro bono Special Education Legal Clinic, and as Research Editor of the Journal of Child and Family Advocacy. Amanda’s career did not begin, nor has it continued, as a focus just on the practice of law – but as a tool to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, to fight for all children to have a voice. She believes that children should be recognized and supported by the abilities and the facets of their being that makes them who they are, and makes them special, rather than what their disabilities may be.

Vickie Brett was born and raised in Southern California. Vickie attended UC Riverside and received a Bachelor Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy before becoming a very active Whittier Law School student and alumnus. Vickie’s commitment to community service is embodied in the legal advocacy 501(c)3 non-profit she co-founded. The Inclusive Education Project focuses on educating families about the legal rights their children living with special needs are entitled to and it also provides pro bono legal aid to low income families in California.

What’s Inside:

  • What is an IEE?
  • How can therapists use and embed information from an IEE?
  • How to utilize an IEE within an IEP?
  • What legal rights do families have in their child’s education?
  • What are the benefits of an IEE?
  • What reasons might a child need an IEE?

Mentioned In This Episode

Inclusive Education Project
@inclusiveeducationproject on Instagram
Inclusive Education Project on Facebook
admin@iepcalifornia.org
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