Assessments are critical in understanding the educational supports a child with special needs requires because they provide a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s abilities, challenges, and specific learning needs. Through assessments, educators and specialists can gather detailed information about the child’s cognitive abilities, academic performance, communication skills, social and emotional development, and other areas relevant to learning. This data helps to identify the child’s strengths and areas where they may struggle, allowing for the development of a tailored educational plan.

Under certain circumstances, Parents have the right to request an IEE at public expense. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation of a child’s educational needs conducted by a qualified professional who is not employed by the school district. Parents often seek an IEE if they disagree with the results of the school’s evaluation of their child, believing that a more thorough or unbiased assessment is needed. The school district must either agree to fund the assessment or file for due process to show that their assessment was appropriate.