Question

Can my child have an out-of-school evaluation?

Answer

You may get an independent educational evaluation for your child.

As a parent, you have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation at your own expense. You also have the right to have the results of that evaluation considered in any decision made for determining eligibility or providing services to your child.

If you disagree with the evaluation conducted by the school district, you may request a similar independent evaluation at public expense. This request is to be made at or following the Individualized Educational Planning Committee meeting (IEPT) where evaluation results are presented.

The district must notify you in writing within seven days of its intent to honor the request. If the school district feels its evaluation is sufficient, a hearing officer may be asked to review the appropriateness of your request for an independent evaluation.

As a parent, you also have the following rights regarding independent educational evaluation:

• To be told where an independent educational evaluation may be obtained. You may also elect to use evaluators other than those identified by the school district as long as those evaluators meet the qualifications.
      
• To be provided information regarding examiner qualifications, procedures for reimbursement, and reasonable expected costs.
      
• To obtain an evaluation at your own expense.

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