In the Trona Joint Unified School District (TJUSD), every student’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is protected by federal law and supported through the Desert Mountain SELPA. For families in this unique desert community, ensuring that educational services match clinical needs is essential for student success.
If you disagree with a district evaluation or feel your child’s current IEP lacks clear, measurable goals, you have the legal right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). This second opinion, provided at public expense, ensures that your child’s educational roadmap is informed by unbiased, professional clinical data.
Securing Clarity through the Desert Mountain SELPA
As a member of the Desert Mountain Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), Trona follows strict guidelines to ensure student progress. An IEE provides the standardized clarity needed to address these common concerns:
Accurate Evaluation
Ensuring Psychoeducational assessments provide a complete look at a student’s social-emotional and functional needs beyond just grades.
Communication Access
Independent Speech and Language assessments to ensure your student has the tools to fully participate in classroom instruction.
Measurable Goals
Using independent data to turn vague IEP goals into measurable, trackable markers of student growth.
Legal Spotlight: Under the IDEA, if you disagree with any district-conducted evaluation within the last two years, you have the right to request an IEE at public expense.
Navigating the IEE Roadmap in TJUSD
Choosing an IEE is a formal process designed to protect your child’s educational interests. At CAS, we guide Trona families through every step.
When Disagreement Occurs
You don't need to be an expert to request a second opinion. If you believe the district's tools didn't capture the full picture of your child’s disability, you have the right to a second opinion.
Choosing Your Independent Clinical Expert
Choice is your legal right. CAS clinicians are outside experts who are not employed by the school district. Our mission is to provide an accurate, unbiased look at each student's needs.
The Power of Clinical Data
A CAS report provides specific, measurable recommendations that help parents request meaningful updates to their child’s IEP goals and school supports.
Advocacy Through Informed Participation
In Trona, ensuring parent voices are heard is the first step up to student success. If you feel your concerns are being dismissed, an independent Psychoeducational or Speech-Language evaluation provides the clinical evidence required to change the conversation at the IEP table.
Dispute Resolution Pathways
Trona families have several paths to resolve disagreements regarding services or placement:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): A local collaborative process used throughout the region.
- Mediation: State-provided assistance to reach a mutual agreement on services.
- Stay-Put Provisions: The right to keep current services active while a dispute is being resolved.
San Bernardino Basin Assessment Experts
Licensed Clinicians
Our experts are fully credentialed and specialize in the unique developmental needs of students in small desert districts.
Independent Advocacy
We provide the independent clinical data needed to hold schools accountable for student progress and placement.
IEP Representation
We attend the meetings to ensure our findings are heard and properly documented in the student’s IEP.
Ready to Secure Your Student’s Success?
Professional, unbiased evaluations are a powerful tool for Trona families. Secure the independent clarity your student deserves.
