IEE: Who Pays?
A parent disagrees with a district evaluation and requests an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). What is the parent's right?
What is the right to request an IEE at public expense?
Can parents alone decide a student should attend an outplacement?
No. Placement decisions are made by the PPT.
True or False
An IEP can simply state "1:1 para all day."
Supports must be based on educational need.
A student refuses to enter school every morning.
What's your FIRST step?
Gather data and convene the team rather than immediately reducing the school day.
How many calendar days does Connecticut have to complete an initial evaluation after receiving consent?
45 school days
A district receives an IEE request but believes its evaluation was appropriate. What are the district's two legal options?
Agree to fund the IEE.
File for due process to defend its evaluation.
What legal standard guides every placement decision?
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Who decides whether a paraeducator is needed?
The PPT.
A student with an IEP has been absent for three weeks due to anxiety.
Who should be involved?
Parents
School team
Special education
Mental health supports
PPT if changes may be needed
Within how many school days must a manifestation determination occur after a disciplinary removal constituting a change of placement?
10 school days.
True or False:
The district can simply deny an IEE because it believes its testing was sufficient.
False
True or False
A district must try less restrictive supports before considering outplacement.
Generally True.
Can a parent demand a specific para?
No.
A parent requests homebound because mornings are difficult.
Can the district automatically approve?
No.
Medical documentation and PPT review are required.
How often must an IEP be reviewed?
At least annually.
A parent wants an evaluator who charges three times the district's typical rate.
Can the district automatically refuse?
No. The district may establish reasonable cost criteria but must consider unique circumstances.
A student has severe behaviors.
Does behavior alone automatically require outplacement?
No.
The team must determine whether the student's needs can be met with appropriate supports in district.
A student becomes overly dependent on a para.
What should the PPT discuss?
Fading support
Increasing independence
Alternative accommodations
A principal wants to suspend a student with an IEP for 12 days.
What's the concern?
Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) requirements.
How often must a reevaluation occur?
At least every three years
Daily Double
A parent obtains a private evaluation without notifying the district.
Can the district ignore it?
No. The PPT must consider any privately obtained evaluation, even if it was not publicly funded.
Name two reasons a district may recommend outplacement.
Student cannot receive FAPE in district.
Safety concerns cannot be addressed.
Specialized instruction unavailable.
Intensive therapeutic needs.
Name two risks of assigning unnecessary 1:1 paras.
Learned dependence
Reduced peer interaction
Stigma
Less independence
Reduced teacher interaction
A student regularly leaves class and refuses work.
Before changing placement, what should the team review?
FBA
BIP
Current IEP
Progress data
Disability-related factors
True or False
Parents can revoke consent for special education services.
True