As a parent, trusting your instincts about your child’s development is essential. If your child has been evaluated by the school and the results don’t sit right with you—you have options. You can seek a second opinion evaluation—and in many cases, you may be entitled to one at no cost to you.
In this article, we’ll break down what a second opinion evaluation is, how it ties into your legal rights under IDEA, and exactly how to request one.
What Is a Second Opinion Evaluation for Special Education?
A second opinion evaluation is exactly what it sounds like: an additional assessment conducted by an expert outside the school district. This is often pursued when a parent disagrees with the results, methods, or thoroughness of the school’s initial evaluation.
Parents may seek a second opinion if:
- The school only evaluated one area (e.g., speech)
- The school concluded your child was ineligible for services
- The results do not reflect what you observe at home
- The evaluation seemed rushed or incomplete
- You weren’t given enough time to ask questions
The Legal Term for a Second Opinion: Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), parents have a right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if they disagree with the school’s evaluation.
According to 34 C.F.R. § 300.502:
“A parent has the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation obtained by the public agency.”
An IEE gives your child the benefit of an objective, outside expert who can provide fresh insight—sometimes uncovering areas the school failed to assess or misinterpreted.
When Should Parents Consider an IEE?
You should consider requesting an IEE if:
1. The school only tested for speech or one area of concern
If your child only qualified for speech services, but you suspect other learning or behavioral challenges or vice versa, that’s a red flag. Schools are legally obligated to evaluate in all areas of suspected disability—not just one.
2. You disagree with the results
You don’t need to prove the school was wrong. Simply disagreeing with the findings is enough to request an IEE.
3. You feel your child was misunderstood or overlooked
Standardized testing doesn’t always capture the whole child. If your child shuts down during school evaluations but thrives in other settings, an IEE can help provide a clearer picture.
What Does an IEE Include?
An IEE can include evaluations in areas such as:
- Speech-language
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology
- Academic achievement
- Executive functioning
- Autism spectrum assessments
- Social-emotional skills
You can request an IEE in any area the school evaluated or any area they failed to assess but should have.
How to Request an IEE (Free Template)
We’ve made it easy with a free, legally sound IEE request letter template that you can send to your child’s school district.
In the letter, you’ll:
- State your disagreement with the school’s evaluation
- Request an IEE at public expense
- Document your concerns or observations
The school must respond without unnecessary delay—either by agreeing or by initiating a due process hearing to defend their evaluation.
Takeaway: Don’t Settle for “Good Enough”
You are your child’s best advocate. If something doesn’t feel right about your child’s evaluation or if services were denied, don’t stay silent. A second opinion—in the form of an IEE—could make all the difference in your child’s educational future.
