If parents disagree with the evaluation results, what can they request?

When parents disagree with the evaluation results of their child, they can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not affiliated with the school district. This option allows parents to have a second opinion on the assessment results and can highlight different perspectives regarding their child's educational needs.

The ability to request an IEE is grounded in procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which support parents' rights in the evaluation process. This ensures parents have a voice and can seek further clarification or additional information regarding their child's eligibility for special education services.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not specifically address the parents' right to challenge the evaluation results. Mediation typically pertains to resolving disputes rather than reevaluating assessments, and meeting with the principal does not directly lead to an independent examination of the child's needs. Reevaluation usually refers to the school's periodic review process, which may not align with the concerns or disagreements presented by the parents at a given time. Therefore, the request for an Independent Educational Evaluation effectively addresses the situation when there is disagreement with the initial results.