Independent Educational Evaluation

Specific Learning Disability Evaluation

Published fee: $900

An independent educational evaluation helps families understand whether a learning disability may be present, why the student is struggling, and which supports are most likely to help.

Who Is This Evaluation For?

An SLD evaluation may be appropriate for a student who:

Has persistent difficulty with reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics
Performs below expectations despite additional instruction or intervention
Works hard but continues to make limited academic progress
Shows stronger performance in some areas and significant difficulty in others
Is suspected of having dyslexia or another learning disability
Has received conflicting or inconclusive evaluation results
Needs updated testing for accommodations or educational planning

Families may also seek an independent evaluation when they want a more detailed understanding of their child’s learning needs or have questions about an evaluation completed by the school.

What Does the Evaluation Involve?

Each evaluation is designed around the student’s history, current concerns, and referral questions. The process typically includes a review of developmental and educational history, school records, previous evaluations, grades, intervention data, and the student’s response to instruction.

Individualized testing examines academic skills in reading, written expression, and mathematics. Depending on the referral concerns, the evaluation may also assess cognitive and learning processes such as language development, memory, processing speed, phonological processing, and executive functioning. Information from parents, teachers, and the student helps show how the difficulties affect everyday school performance.

The purpose is not simply to report test scores. All available information is interpreted together to identify patterns of strengths and needs, determine the nature and extent of the academic difficulties, and consider whether attention, emotional concerns, educational opportunity, or another condition may explain or contribute to them.

What Will Families Receive?

Families receive a comprehensive written report that explains the findings in understandable language. The report describes the student’s academic and learning profile and addresses whether the results support the presence of an SLD, including dyslexia when applicable.

Individualized recommendations may include:

Targeted, research-based academic interventions
Classroom accommodations and instructional strategies
Assistive technology
Progress monitoring
Support for homework and learning at home
Guidance for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, if appropriate

A feedback conference is included so families can review the findings, ask questions, and understand the recommended next steps. The evaluation can also help families communicate more effectively with the school team.

The result is more than an eligibility determination. It is a practical roadmap for understanding how the student learns and providing the instruction and support needed for greater success.

Simple and Individualized

What to Expect

The process is clear from the first conversation through the feedback conference.

Reports are typically completed within 21 days after testing.

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Complimentary Consultation
Discuss concerns and determine whether an evaluation may be helpful.
Individualized Evaluation
Interviews, records, testing, rating scales, and information from knowledgeable individuals.
Comprehensive Report
Clear findings with practical and individualized recommendations.
Feedback Conference
Review results, answer questions, and discuss appropriate next steps.

Common Questions

FAQs

See all frequently asked questions

What is an independent psychoeducational evaluation (IEE), and how is it different from a school-based evaluation?

An IEE is a comprehensive assessment conducted by an independent psychologist to better understand a child’s strengths, challenges, and learning needs. Unlike a school-based evaluation, an IEE offers an objective perspective that isn’t influenced by school personnel, often providing more individualized recommendations.

When should I consider an IEE for my child?

There are many reasons to consider an IEE for your child. For example, you might consider an IEE if you would like a private evaluation that may or may not be shared with your child’s school, if your child is homeschooled, if you feel your child’s needs weren’t fully understood in a previous assessment, if you want a second opinion, or if the school’s evaluation was limited in scope or depth.

Will the school accept the results of an IEE?

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools must consider the results of an IEE in making decisions about your child’s educational plan. While schools aren’t required to implement every recommendation, they are obligated to take the findings seriously.

Will this evaluation diagnose my child with a learning disorder or other condition?

If warranted, the IEE will result in a diagnosis, such as a specific learning disorder, ADHD, or an emotional disorder. However, our goal is not solely diagnosis; it’s to understand your child’s unique learning profile and provide recommendations that best support their educational and developmental needs.

Will the report include recommendations for accommodations and services?

Yes, I provide specific, actionable recommendations for accommodations, interventions, and services that may help your child succeed academically and socially. These can include classroom accommodations, specialized instruction, or other supports tailored to your child’s needs.

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Straightforward Information

Transparent Fees and Flexible Payment

SEC is committed to providing comprehensive, individualized evaluations with clear and transparent fees. As a streamlined independent practice, SEC is able to focus its resources directly on careful assessment and personalized client service.

Published fees include the initial interview, record review, individualized test selection, testing, appropriate rating scales, scoring, interpretation, a comprehensive written report, personalized recommendations, and a feedback conference. If helpful, fees may be divided into two equal payments.

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9
Evaluation types, each with a published fee
2
Equal payments — fees may be divided
21
Days — reports are typically completed after testing

SEC is Private Pay Only

The Student Evaluation Center operates as a private-pay practice so evaluations can be designed around each client’s individual needs rather than an insurance company’s coverage rules. This allows us to select appropriate assessment tools, investigate educational and clinical concerns thoroughly, and provide detailed reports with practical recommendations for home, school, and treatment planning.

Private payment also allows SEC to evaluate concerns that health insurance may not cover, including learning disabilities, academic achievement, giftedness, and educational accommodation needs. Fees include individualized test selection, testing, scoring, interpretation, a comprehensive written report, and a feedback conference.

SEC does not bill insurance directly. Upon request, we can provide documentation that clients may submit to their insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA funds may also be eligible for evaluation expenses; clients should confirm eligibility with their plan administrator.