Sometimes districts will complete evaluations and you may disagree with the results. When this happens, you have the right to request an Independent Evaluation.
Of course, you can choose to have an independent evaluation of your child at any time at your own expense. When you request public funding for an independent evaluation, there is a sliding scale that districts use to determine the amount you are responsible for. If your child is eligible for free or reduced school lunch, then the independent evaluation will be fully covered. If not, the district will need to collect financial information from you to determine the amount they have to cover. The funding guidelines remain in place until 16 months from the date of the original evaluation. The guidelines are as follows:
The evaluation should be completed by 30 days after your request to the district for an independent evaluation. Once the report is delivered to your district, they have 10 days to reconvene for a Team Meeting to consider the new report and if it will impact your child’s IEP.
