INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS
The Board of Education recognizes the right of parents or guardians of a student who has or is thought to have a disability to receive an independent evaluation at public expense if they disagree with the evaluation obtained by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
The independent examination shall be conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the school district responsible for the child’s education. Upon request, parents will be provided with a list of public and private agencies and professional resources where independent evaluations may be obtained. These publicly-funded independent evaluations shall be limited to the same geographic and fiscal limitations as used by the district when it initiates an evaluation.
Parents or guardians should file a written request within ninety (90) days from the date of the CSE or CPSE evaluation. The district has the right to initiate an impartial hearing to demonstrate that its evaluation is appropriate. If the hearing officer determines that the district's evaluation was appropriate, a parent or guardian is not entitled to reimbursement at public expense.
The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to develop regulations establishing maximum allowable fees for specific tests, the geographic area in which such evaluations may take place, and minimum qualifications of the professionals who administer and interpret various tests; and a reasonable timeline in seeking reimbursement.
Note: Policy added
Policy Adopted: January 29, 1997 Wayne Central School District