FOR FAMILIES & DISTRICTS
Independent Educational Evaluations in Northern Arizona
An Independent Educational Evaluation is an additional, independent look at a student’s learning, completed by a qualified evaluator from outside the district. Under IDEA it is an ordinary part of the process, not a dispute. Sky Island conducts IEEs for families and districts across Flagstaff and the greater Northern Arizona area, in English or Spanish.
Who this is for
You and the school read the results differently
IDEA anticipates this. Families may seek an independent evaluation when they have questions about the district’s findings, and asking for one is a step in the process rather than a conflict.
An eligibility decision left open questions
A determination rested on data that would benefit from a second, independent set of eyes before the team plans next steps.
Language history deserves a closer look
A student is bilingual or learning English, and the team wants assessment that accounts for language history, schooling history, and cultural context.
You want a plan the team can act on
Recommendations specific enough for teachers and the IEP team to put in place, written for the people who have to use them.
You are a district arranging an IEE
Districts contract Sky Island directly for publicly funded IEEs and get a credentialed, neutral evaluator, clear timelines, and a report the team can rely on.
How an IEE with Sky Island works
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Start with a conversation
A short, no-cost conversation, with the family or the district, about the concern, the existing evaluation, and whether an IEE is the right tool. If it is not, we will say so.
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The request
The family asks the district in writing for an IEE at public expense. We can explain what such a request generally includes; the request belongs to the family.
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District response
Under 34 C.F.R. § 300.502 the district may agree to fund the evaluation or request a due process hearing, as the regulation allows. We work with whichever route the district takes.
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Records and planning
With consent we review the district’s evaluation, IEP or MET paperwork, work samples, and relevant history before any testing begins, building on the team’s work rather than repeating it.
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Assessment
Direct assessment with your child, teacher and parent input, observation where appropriate, and instruments selected for your child, including assessment in Spanish when that is the right language.
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Report and meeting
A written report with findings and specific, usable recommendations, a feedback meeting in the family’s preferred language, and participation in the IEP team meeting so everyone can ask questions directly.
Who conducts the evaluation
Every IEE at Sky Island is conducted by Enilda Sutton, Ed.S., NCSP, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, certified by the Arizona Department of Education, with over a decade of experience from PreK through 12th grade and full working fluency in Spanish and English. An independent evaluation is not an advocacy service. The obligation is to the data and to the student, which is what makes the findings useful to families and dependable for districts.
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
- Arizona Department of Education Certified School Psychologist
- Over a decade of experience in PreK through 12th grade
- Bilingual in Spanish & English
Where we work
Sky Island works with families, schools, and districts across the greater Northern Arizona area. Scheduling depends on travel distance and current caseload, so reach out early if timelines matter.
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Common questions
Who pays for an IEE?
When a family has questions about the district’s evaluation, IDEA gives them the right to request an IEE at public expense. The district may fund it or request a due process hearing, as the regulation allows. Families may also arrange a privately funded evaluation.
How is the evaluator chosen?
Districts may provide a list and may set reasonable criteria. Families generally may choose any qualified evaluator who meets them. When an IEE is publicly funded, Sky Island contracts directly with the district.
How long does it take?
It depends on district response time, records, scheduling, and the scope of the evaluation. We give you a realistic timeline before we begin rather than an optimistic one.
Can the evaluation be done in Spanish?
Yes. Assessment can be conducted directly in Spanish where that is appropriate for the student, and family meetings and the feedback conversation can be held in Spanish.
Will an IEE simply disagree with the school?
No. An IEE is an independent professional opinion, not a predetermined result. Often the findings confirm much of the district’s work and add detail or a different emphasis. We report what the data shows either way.
We are a district. Can we contract Sky Island for an IEE?
Yes. Sky Island contracts directly with districts for publicly funded IEEs, and also provides contract school psychology, bilingual Spanish and English assessment, consultation, and evaluation overflow support.
Not sure whether an IEE is what you need?
That is a good reason to reach out. Families and districts are equally welcome to ask. Describe the situation and we will tell you honestly whether an independent evaluation would help.
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