Last modified: October 28, 2022

Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) Policy

Parents of a student with a disability have the right to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) of the student at public expense if they disagree with the results of an evaluation obtained by the Provo School District (34 CFR 300.502).

• When an evaluation is conducted in accordance with IDEA and the parent disagrees with the evaluation because a child was not assessed in a particular area, the parent has the right to request an IEE to assess the child in that area to determine whether the child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that child needs.
• A parent is entitled to only one independent educational evaluation at public expense each time the LEA conducts an evaluation with which the parent disagrees.

Requests for an IEE should be made in writing to the Director of Special Education. Although not required, Provo City School District further requests that the parent identify the evaluation(s) with which the parent disagrees.

If a parent requests an IEE at public expense, the District will either ensure an IEE is provided or without unnecessary delay file a due process compliant to show its own evaluation is appropriate. The District may also request a due process hearing for the purpose of showing that an evaluation obtained by the parent did not meet the District’s criteria set forth below.

Criteria for Independent Educational Evaluations:

• Evaluations must be conducted by individuals with appropriate licensure in the areas to be evaluated.
• Evaluations must be conducted by individuals with training in the administration of test instruments to be used.
• Evaluations must be conducted by individuals with professional experience in public education.
• Evaluations must be conducted according to the standards and procedures described in Utah State Rules and Federal regulations.
• Evaluations must be conducted by qualified individuals within a reasonable distance of Provo City School District. (within Utah or Salt Lake County) Parent lodging and travel expenses will not be reimbursed.
• The total cost of the IEE may not exceed 125% of the Medicaid reimbursement rate for an equivalent evaluation.
• The Director of Special Education will review requests from parents for an evaluator not on the district list and demonstrate unique circumstances that justify this selection.

Upon receiving an appropriate request for an IEE, the Director or his/her designee will provide information to the parents regarding:

• Independent sources where such an evaluation might be obtained
  • A list of qualified individuals who are not employed by the Provo City School District and who will meet the District’s criteria for independent educational evaluators is kept on file in the department and is updated annually.

An IEE conducted at the District’s expense becomes the property of the District in its entirety. A complete copy of the results of the evaluation must be sent to the Director of Special Education and forwarded to the IEP team.

• The IEP team must consider the results of the IEE, along with other evaluations and observations by teachers and related services providers.
• Using the information that is available the IEP team must then determine, when appropriate, if the student has a disability, whether that disability has an adverse impact on educational performance and if the student by reason of that disability needs special education. The team will make other determinations as dictated by the circumstances. (For example, it may determine under certain circumstances whether a disability still exists, the present level of performance and educational needs of the child, whether the student needs special education and related services or still needs them or whether any changes are needed to meet annual goals and participate in the general curriculum.)

Independent Education Evaluation (IEE approved Providers:)

• Dr Janiece Pompa, PhD
  • Educational Assessment & Student Support Clinic University of Utah
  • 4505 South Wasatch Blvd., Suite 330
  • Salt Lake City, Utah 84124
  • Phone: (801)273-7555
• Dr. Mary K. Hales, PhD
  • Neuro Dynamics, LLC
  • 370 E. South Temple, Suite 175
  • Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
  • Phone: (801) 359-6069
  • Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Dr. Samuel Goldstein, PhD
  • Neurology, Learning, and Behavior Center
  • 230 South 500 East, Suite 100
  • Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
  • Phone: (801) 532-1484
  • Fax: (801) 532-1486
  • Web Site: www.samgoldstein.com
• Dr. Julia Connelly, PhD
  • Autism Diagnostic Clinic University of Utah
  • 650 Komas Dr.
  • Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
  • Phone: (801) 587-8020
  • Hours: Mon 1:00 – 3:00PM Wed & Fri 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Alpine School District
  • Special Education Department
  • Contact: Special Education Director
  • Phone: (801) 610-8481
• Nebo School District
  • Special Education Department
  • Contact: Special Education Director
  • Phone: (801) 354-7416
• Wasatch Mental Health
  • 750 North Freedom Blvd.
  • Provo, UT 84601
  • Phone: (801) 373-4760
• Russell Gaede Psychologist
  • 1835 N 1120 W
  • Provo, UT 84604
  • Phone: (801) 623-4770
• BYU Personnel
  • Gordon Gibb
    • Counseling Psychology & Special Education (CPSE)
    • Phone: 801-422-4915
    • Gordon_gibb@byu.edu
  • Blake Hansen
    • Department of Counseling Psychology & Special Education (CPSE)
    • Phone: 801-422-4691
    • Blake_hansen@byu.edu

Download Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) Policy (PDF)