Ascertaining the Adequacy, Scope, and Utility of District Evaluations

Abstract

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides parents of students with disabilities the opportunity to obtain an independent educational evaluation (IEE) if the parent disagrees with the evaluation conducted by the local education agency. The standard for determining the parent's right to a publicly funded IEE is the appropriateness of the district's evaluation. Yet guidelines for determining the appropriateness of the district's evaluation have not been clearly defined. A qualitative content analysis of recent administrative decisions and cases concerning IEEs identified three legal criteria administrative officers and judges have utilized in determining the appropriateness of challenged district evaluations. Several recommendations to professionals involved in conducting evaluations are offered, including a self-study and ongoing case review.