Independent questions
An independent educational evaluation starts with its own referral questions, developed from the family's concerns and a review of the student's records. The aim is a careful second look, not a predetermined conclusion.
Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)
An outside, objective assessment by a California Licensed Educational Psychologist—for families who disagree with school district findings or need an independent second opinion.
FeeIndividualized quote
California Licensed Educational PsychologistPracticing since 1999nearly 2,000 evaluationsBay Area & California statewide
Disagree with your school district's evaluation?
Start with a brief conversation. I'll explain what an IEE involves, what the process looks like, and whether it fits your situation.
Request an IEE ConsultationCalifornia Licensed Educational Psychologist · Practicing since 1999
Text Me for a Quick Response
Text Dennis directly. I typically respond promptly during the day, between appointments.
What Parents Say
"He took the time to truly understand my son's unique strengths and challenges... and provided recommendations that were meaningful and focused on my son's educational needs."
— Nora R.
"He obviously put a great deal of thought, planning and research into the sessions he had with us and especially with our son... He is truly invested in the wellbeing of our son."
— Elizabeth Y.
"He has been a great support in analyzing my son's IEP assessment... although my native language is Spanish, he was able to guide me without any problem."
— Johana C.
Personal Guidance at Every Step
You'll work directly with Dennis throughout the process—from the first conversation through the evaluation and review of results. He takes time to understand your concerns, explain findings clearly, answer questions, and turn the results into practical next steps.
What Parents Say
I highly recommend Dennis! He was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and thorough throughout the entire independent educational evaluation (IEE) process. He took the time to truly understand my son's unique strengths and challenges, and his evaluation was comprehensive, thoughtful, and well-supported. What I appreciated most was that Dennis was patient, compassionate, and made me feel heard as a parent. He carefully explained his findings, answered all of my questions, and provided recommendations that were meaningful and focused on my son's educational needs. It is clear that he genuinely cares about helping students receive the support they need to succeed.
Excerpt from a full review
— Nora R.
Dennis has a manner and personality that are friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about his field and beyond it. He obviously put a great deal of thought, planning and research into the sessions he had with us and especially with our son. He provided us useful resources and thoughtful recommendations that would be valuable for our son's academic and personal development… He is truly invested in the wellbeing of our son, which we are deeply grateful for!
— Elizabeth Y.
I highly recommend psychologist Saller, as he has been a great support in analyzing my son's IEP assessment. He is a highly qualified professional, and although my native language is Spanish, he was able to guide me without any problem. Thank you very much!
Excerpt from a full review
Quiero recomendar ampliamente al Psicólogo Saller, ya que ha sido un gran apoyo en el análisis de la evaluación del IEP de mi hijo, es un profesional muy capacitado; y aunque mi idioma es el Español, pudo orientarme sin ningún problema. Muchas gracias!
— Johana C.
About Your Evaluator
Dennis Saller
Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP, PPS)
Dennis Saller is a California Licensed Educational Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in psychoeducational assessment, literacy intervention, and learning disability evaluation. He has completed nearly 2,000 evaluations for children and adults across California and brings a direct, practical approach to helping families understand a student's learning profile and determine meaningful next steps.
Referral Concerns
Common Reasons Families Request an IEE
Disagreement with District Evaluation
School findings don't match what you observe at home or don't align with teacher reports and grades.
Incomplete or Insufficient Assessment
Key areas were not tested, the evaluation seemed rushed, or important concerns were not addressed.
Denied Services or Ineligibility Finding
The student was found ineligible for services, but academic or behavioral struggles persist.
IEP Dispute or Due Process Consideration
Formal disagreement or legal action is in progress or being considered, and an independent evaluation is needed.
The Value of Assessment
What a Comprehensive Evaluation Can Clarify
An independent educational evaluation provides an objective, outside perspective on a student's learning needs—separate from school district findings and interests.
Whether the district's evaluation was comprehensive and appropriately conducted
What additional areas warrant assessment and why
Whether eligibility determinations and service recommendations are appropriate
What supports and recommendations the evaluation data actually justify
Assessment Reasoning
How an independent evaluation adds information
Building on existing records
Prior school assessments, IEPs, progress data, and work samples are reviewed and integrated with new testing where it adds information. Repeating the same instruments too soon can affect results, so test selection takes earlier assessment into account.
Explaining agreement and disagreement
Where findings agree with earlier assessments, the report says so. Where they differ, it explains the evidence behind the difference, such as new data, a different reading of a score pattern, or information the earlier evaluation did not include, so the team can weigh it.
Recommendations for team discussion
Recommendations are functional and specific, describing what the student needs to learn and access in the classroom, so they can be discussed productively at an IEP meeting. Eligibility decisions rest with the IEP team, and funding questions are handled through the district's IEE process.
Getting Started
How It Works
01
Free Initial Consultation
A brief conversation to understand your concerns, answer questions, and determine whether an evaluation makes sense for your situation.
02
Individualized Evaluation
A comprehensive, individually administered assessment tailored to presenting concerns and referral questions.
03
Review of Findings & Recommendations
A thorough written report and a meeting to walk through the results, explain what they mean in plain language, and discuss practical next steps.
Ready to Get Clearer Answers?
Start with a brief conversation. No commitment required—just a chance to talk about what you're seeing and whether an evaluation makes sense.
Request an IEE ConsultationCalifornia Licensed Educational Psychologist · Practicing since 1999