At Brain Learning we conduct Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) for individuals with known or suspected disabilities. The original purpose of the legal requirement was to encourage more parental participation. “Consideration of such outside information also ensures that a program is individualized and provides a check on the judgments being made by school officials regarding the child.” Community Consolidated Sch. Dist. No. 180, 27 IDELR 1004, 1005-06. At Brain Learning we have found that not only do parents find our work valuable but in many instances, school districts and educators find our work valuable due to the information provided. In many instances the IEE can confirm what the school district believes to be appropriate for that child. Being an IEE provider means being fair and objective. More importantly, it allows the practice of transparency and accountability to be affirmed. When we go into a school and open the doors to a classroom we never know what we are going to observe. In any case, allowing someone outside the school, who has expertise on things like disabilities, instruction, curriculum, and behavior can ensure that the highest standards are upheld for the most vulnerable students on campus. This process helps ensure that the child is receiving an appropriate education. For many parents, picking up their children after school and being able to talk about events of the day, do not happen because that student may be non-verbal in her ability to communicate. In our office, we often get asked questions about the learning environment and curriculum. At Brain Learning we believe it’s useful to go into the school and collect information that can reassure parents anxieties about the learning process. In today’s world, there is so much talk about transparency and responsibility. We all have high expectations for those in charge of serving children. The whole idea of special education, which officially began over 42 years ago, was to begin a journey to allow all children to receive an appropriate education. Today we still have much work to do. Creating truly “individualized” educational plans for children with disabilities takes resources and commitment. Working together to gain insight from all members of the team, will ensure the most appropriate education for students with disabilities. As Mother Teresa put it, “being honest and transparent makes you vulnerable, do it anyway.”
Rienzi Haytasingh,
Owner, Brain Learning Psychological Corporation
