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Independent Educational Evaluation

What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by your child’s school district. When parents disagree with their school’s evaluation results from an IEP or feel the assessment was incomplete, they have the legal right under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to request an IEE evaluation at public expense. This means the school district pays for the IEE special education assessment, providing families with an objective second opinion from a neuropsychologist like Dr. Adelina Matevosyan.

Pediatric Neuropsychologist Dr. Matevosyan conducting an ADHD evaluation with a child in a calm, professional setting.

IEE Assessments

At NeuroCognitive Solutions, Dr. Matevosyan specializes in IEE assessment for children and adolescents, delivering diagnostic clarity and actionable recommendations that help secure appropriate educational services for your child. Her advanced postdoctoral training in pediatric neuropsychology ensures each IEE testing meets the highest professional standards while addressing your child’s unique needs.

Our Independent Educational Evaluation services include:

  • Clinical Interview: A 1-1.5-hour session with parents and child to review educational history, developmental concerns, and evaluation goals.

  • In-Person Testing: 6-8 hours of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, split across 2-3 days, depending on your child’s needs and stamina.

  • School Observation: Direct classroom observation to understand your child’s functioning in the educational environment.

  • Record Review: Thorough analysis of educational records, previous evaluations, medical history, and IEP documentation.

  • Feedback Session: A 1-1.5-hour meeting to review findings, discuss strengths and challenges, and provide detailed recommendations.

  • Comprehensive Report: A detailed written report with diagnostic findings and specific educational recommendations released simultaneously to family and school.

How to Request an IEE in California

When Can You Request an IEE?

Parents have the right to request an IEE California at public expense when they disagree with the school district’s evaluation for several reasons:

  • Incomplete Assessment: The school’s evaluation didn’t examine all areas of concern or used inappropriate testing methods.

  • Disagreement with Findings: You believe the school’s conclusions about your child’s abilities or disabilities are incorrect.

  • Inadequate Testing: The evaluation was too brief, used outdated methods, or was conducted by underqualified staff.

  • Denied Services: Your child was found ineligible for special education services, but you believe they qualify.

  • Outdated Evaluation: The school’s assessment is more than two years old and no longer reflects your child’s current needs.

The IEE Assessment Process at NeuroCognitive Solutions

What is Assessed During an IEE?

Dr. Matevosyan’s IEE testing examines multiple areas of functioning to provide a complete picture of your child’s educational needs:

    • Intelligence (IQ): Cognitive potential, reasoning abilities, and problem-solving skills.

    • Academic Achievement: Reading, writing, and mathematics skills to identify specific learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyscalculia.

    • Executive Functioning: Attention, planning, organization, working memory, and self-regulation.

    • Language Processing: Receptive and expressive language skills, phonological processing, and communication abilities.

    • Visual-Spatial Skills: Spatial reasoning, visual-motor integration, and nonverbal processing.

    • Learning and Memory: Information acquisition, retention, and retrieval.

    • Social-Emotional Functioning: Behavioral regulation, mood, anxiety, and social skills development.

IEP vs. IEE: Understanding the Difference

Independent Educational Program

Purpose: Plan for Special Education services

Conductor: School district team

When Used: After eligibility is determined by school

Evaluation Outcome: Educational goals and services

Legal Basis: IDEA, Plan for services

Independent Educational Evaluation

Purpose: Comprehensive Assessment of Learning Needs

Conductor: Clinical Neuropsychologist

When Used: When parents disagree with School’s IEP evaluation.

Evaluation Outcome: Diagnostic Report

Legal Basis: IDEA, Right to Independent Evaluation

Meet Dr. Adelina Matevosyan

Dr. Matevosyan, founder of NeuroCognitive Solutions, is a Los Angeles-based neuropsychologist with advanced training from top institutions like UCLA Semel Institute and Cleveland VA Medical Center. Her expertise in neuropsychological assessments and research in traumatic brain injury and dementia ensures precise, compassionate care for every patient. Learn more about Dr. Matevosyan’s Credentials. 

Why Choose NeuroCognitive Solutions for Your IEE?

  • Expert Qualifications: Dr. Matevosyan’s specialized neuropsychological training and research background in brain-behavior relationships provide unparalleled expertise for educational evaluation services near me.

  • Comprehensive Approach: Our IEEs examine the whole child, considering cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral factors that impact learning.

  • Los Angeles Access: Conveniently located in Glendale to serve families throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.

  • Advocacy Focus: Dr. Matevosyan serves as a strong advocate for your child’s educational needs, working to ensure appropriate services and support.

  • Research-Informed Practice: Her ongoing research in neuropsychology and education ensures that assessments reflect the latest scientific understanding of learning differences.

  • Family-Centered Care: We prioritize understanding your family’s unique concerns and goals throughout the evaluation process.

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