Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)

Independent Educational Evaluations

The school evaluated your child — but the results still don’t explain the struggle. A school evaluation may have left you with broad scores, vague conclusions, or recommendations that don’t explain why reading, writing, or math remains so difficult. A comprehensive IEE offers a deeper, impartial understanding of what was missed, what is interfering with learning, and what support to consider next.

The basics

What is an IEE — and when to request one

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by your child’s school district. Parents can obtain one privately, or request one at public expense after disagreeing with a district’s evaluation — subject to the district’s procedures and criteria.

Families often request an IEE when:

  • They disagree with the school’s evaluation or its conclusions
  • They want an impartial second opinion
  • The results came back “average,” yet the struggle is real
An evaluation should do more than state scores and describe performance. It should explain why learning is difficult and what should happen next.

Why this IEE is different

You work directly with Dr. Duhning — start to finish

Learning difficulties often involve more than just the academic skill. Dr. Duhning’s comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations help children and teens understand how they learn and the exact supports they need to succeed.

  • You work directly with Dr. Duhning from start to finish — not a testing center, never passed between technicians
  • She reviews the history, assesses, interprets, writes the report, and meets with you for feedback
  • The test battery is individualized to your child, and findings reflect their unique learning pattern
  • Recommendations are specific, practical, and school-ready
Learn more about Dr. Duhning

The process

How does the process work?

1

Consultation

We discuss concerns, history, and the questions you want answered.

2

Records review

We review school reports, records, and previous testing.

3

Testing

Two to three in-person testing sessions, about two hours each.

4

Interpretation

Dr. Duhning integrates and synthesizes the data.

5

Report

We meet virtually to review the findings, recommendations, and written report.

6

Roadmap

Your child has a clear roadmap to succeed.

What you get

You’ll leave with answers you can actually use

Whether a learning disability or another factor is contributing

Why reading, writing, or math requires so much effort

The type of instruction and intervention your child needs

Specific recommendations for school, tutoring, and home

Appropriate IEP, 504 Plan, testing, or classroom accommodations to consider

The goal is a report that makes sense to you and gives the school team a clear, well-supported plan — not a collection of scores you’re left to interpret alone.

The evaluation will clearly explain:

faqs

Independent Educational Evaluations

What is an Independent Educational Evaluation?

An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district responsible for your child’s education. Parents may privately obtain an IEE, or request one at public expense after disagreeing with a district evaluation, subject to applicable procedures and criteria.

Will Dr. Duhning personally evaluate my child?

Yes. Dr. Duhning personally conducts the evaluation, interprets the findings, writes the report, and meets with parents to explain the results.

Do you accept district-funded IEEs?

District-funded IEE cases may be considered after the district’s written authorization, evaluator criteria, fee limits, and required agreements have been reviewed.

How quickly can we begin?

The first step is a consultation to discuss the concerns, review the IEE circumstances, and identify the earliest available testing dates.

How long will the report take?

Reports are generally completed within 3 weeks after testing is complete and all required records have been received.

Will the school district pay for an independent evaluation with the evaluator I choose?

Parents who disagree with the district’s evaluation may request an IEE at public expense. The district may have criteria regarding qualifications, location, and cost, so families should obtain written approval and evaluator requirements before scheduling. Parents generally get to select a qualified independent evaluator of their choice.

Clearer answers change the conversation

Walk into the next school meeting with confidence

You shouldn’t have to keep saying “I know something is going on” without being able to explain what it is. A comprehensive evaluation gives you the evidence, language, and recommendations to make better decisions about school, tutoring, and your child’s future.

Request an IEE Consultation

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