Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) & Second Opinions
When You Disagree with CSE Recommendations
If you’ve left a CSE meeting feeling uncertain, pressured, or in disagreement with the school’s recommendations, you’re not alone.
Many parents seek a second opinion when something doesn’t feel right—especially when decisions impact their child’s learning, support, and long-term trajectory.
A comprehensive, independent neuropsychological evaluation can provide the clarity and documentation needed to move forward with confidence.
Dr. Courtney Duhning, Psy.D., ABSNP, NCSP
Board-Certified Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Serving families across Long Island & Queens
When Families Seek an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
You may be considering an IEE or private evaluation if:
The school evaluation felt brief, incomplete, or inconsistent with what you see at home
Your child was found “ineligible,” but continues to struggle
Recommended services don’t feel sufficient—or were reduced or denied
You’ve been told to “wait and see,” but concerns are ongoing
Your child is bright but underperforming, and no clear explanation has been given
You want a more in-depth understanding before agreeing to an IEP or 504 Plan
What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional outside of the school system.
If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you have the right to request an IEE. In some cases, the school district may agree to fund the evaluation or pursue due process to defend their assessment.
Parents may also choose to obtain a private-pay neuropsychological evaluation without going through the formal IEE process.
If you’re feeling uncertain after your child’s evaluation, you don’t have to stay in that position.
Get a Second Opinion
Your Options If You Disagree with the School
If you feel unsure about the school’s recommendations, you are not limited to one path.
You can:
Ask the CSE for clarification or additional testing
Request an IEE through the school district
Pursue a private, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation
Many families choose a private evaluation to avoid delays and gain a more detailed, individualized understanding.
Why Families Choose Private Neuropsychological Evaluations
School-based evaluations are often shaped by time, resources, and eligibility criteria.
A private evaluation allows for:
Greater depth and flexibility in testing
Unrushed, individualized assessment
Evaluation of multiple domains (attention, learning, memory, executive functioning, emotional factors)
Clear diagnostic conclusions, when appropriate
Highly specific recommendations tailored to your child
This level of detail can significantly strengthen your ability to advocate for appropriate supports.
IEE vs. School Psychological Evaluation
School-Based Evaluations
School evaluations are typically:
time-limited
standardized across students
focused on eligibility determination
constrained by district procedures and resources
Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
An IEE provides:
deeper neuropsychological assessment
more comprehensive testing battery
individualized interpretation of results
integrated understanding of learning, cognition, and emotional functioning
an independent clinical perspective
When school testing does not fully explain a child’s challenges, an IEE can provide critical clarity.
Students can earn “average” scores on school testing and still have a disability. Often, more in-depth testing is needed
Many families reach out at this stage to make a more informed decision before moving forward with the school’s plan.
Schedule a Consultation
How an Independent Evaluation Helps in CSE Meetings
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can:
Clarify whether your child meets criteria for diagnoses such as ADHD or learning disorders
Identify areas that may have been overlooked in school testing
Provide detailed recommendations for services, accommodations, and supports
Offer objective, evidence-based data to guide decision-making
Help you feel more prepared and confident in meetings with the school
Our reports are written to be clear, thorough, and useful in educational planning discussions.
Timeline
We understand that many families are working within school deadlines.
Scheduling: Typically within a few weeks
Testing: Completed over 1–2 sessions
Report: Delivered within 2–3 weeks after testing
Feedback session: Scheduled promptly to review results and next steps
What You Receive From an IEE
Clear Diagnostic Understanding
A detailed explanation of how your child learns, processes information, and functions emotionally and behaviorally.
Educational Recommendations
Specific, actionable recommendations for school supports, accommodations, and interventions.
Strength-Based Profile
Identification of cognitive and academic strengths to support learning success.
School-Ready Documentation
A comprehensive report designed for use in educational planning meetings.
Serving Families Across Long Island
We provide Independent Educational Evaluations in Long Island, NY, including families in:
Nassau County
Suffolk County
Queens (including Forest Hills, Bayside, Whitestone) and surrounding areas
Why Work With Dr. Duhning
Dr. Duhning is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist with specialized training in both clinical evaluation and the school system.
Her background as a practicing school psychologist — including experience with IEP and 504 processes — allows her to provide not just diagnostic clarity, but meaningful guidance on how to apply results in real-world settings.
Families often choose this practice when they are looking for:
a more precise and individualized understanding
clear explanations — not confusing reports
recommendations they can actually use at home and in school