Lancaster: 717-208-6599           Wyomissing: 484-987-7116 

School-based psychological evaluations are characterized by a complex process where the parents, child and school staff ideally work together to further understand the child's strengths and weaknesses, as well as offer recommendations on how to improve current academic functioning.  Ultimately the main goal of the evaluation is to identify whether your child meets eligibility for special education services that are affecting functioning in school and make appropriate recommendations for interventions and accommodations.

 

In some circumstances, you may not agree with the findings from the school-based report. Here a few possible reasons:

  • You do not believe the results are accurate- that the evaluation did not capture your child's strengths and weaknesses.
  • You do not believe that the school evaluator had adequate training and/or expertise to conduct the evaluation.
  • You disagree with the eligibility determinations (i.e., whether or not your child was found eligible for special education services).
  • You disagree with the educational placement, services, and/or accommodations that were recommended.

The parents of a child with a disability have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation of the child, subject to the provisions outlined below.  The district shall provide to parents, upon request for an independent educational evaluation, information about where an independent educational evaluation may be obtained, and criteria applicable for independent educational evaluations as set forth below.


For the purposes of this part, “independent educational evaluation” means an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the district and “public expense” means that the district either pays for the full cost of the evaluation or ensures that the evaluation is otherwise provided at no cost to the parent.


A parent has the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation obtained by the district.  If a parent requests an independent educational evaluation at public expense, the district, with out unnecessary delay, either initiates a hearing under procedures described below to show that its evaluation is appropriate or shall ensure that an independent educational evaluation is provided at public expense. If the district initiates a hearing and the final decision is that the district’s evaluation is appropriate, the parent still has the right to an independent educational evaluation, but not at district expense.
If a parent requests an independent educational evaluation, the district may ask for the parent’s reason why he or she objects to the district’s evaluation.  However, the explanation by the parent is not required and the district may not unreasonably delay either providing the independent educational evaluation at public expense or initiating a due process hearing to defend the district’s evaluation.

To our Parents...

The Role of an IEE

  • Management of all preliminary paperwork including parent/guardian permissions, information releases, and school district contracts
  • Personal contact between the psychologist and the parent(s), and the school district liaison.
  • Interviews with people and professionals in the student's life, including parents and other family members, teachers and healthcare professionals
  • Administration and scoring of psychological tests and/or Neuropsychological Evaluations as indicated
  • Development of a clinical report that summarizes all of the information gathered including relevant background information, behavioral observations, test results and recommendations based on the results
  • Classroom observations if requested.
  • When needed, we can also provide Expert Witness Testimony in legal proceedings (i.e., Due Process).

Independent  Educational  Evaluations

With over a decade of experience in Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE's), We are committed to the highest standards of personal integrity, professional ethics and clear objectivity that school districts can trust throughout the entire process.


As a certified school psychologist and neuro-school psychologist, Dr. Lucas has extensive experience conducting IEE's for students who are difficult to diagnose or for students who make minimal progress in regular classes despite putting forth an extensive effort and receiving extra help and modifications in the curriculum.  Please contact our office in Lancaster, PA or Wyomissing, PA  if you would like to discuss the evaluation process as well as schedule an appointment today.

        Advanced Counseling and Testing Solutions, LLC                                    

Conducting an IEE