Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) in Massachusetts
How do you get an independent educational evaluation (IEE) in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, students with disabilities ages 14–22 have the legal right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that includes transition services to prepare them for life after high school. Under Massachusetts General Law c. 71B and federal IDEA, your student's IEP must include a Transition Planning Form (TPF) starting at age 14, with a post-secondary vision statement addressing education, employment, and independent living goals. Transition services are mandatory and must be based on formal and informal assessments of your student's strengths, preferences, and needs. At age 16 (or within two years before leaving school), schools must begin the Chapter 688 referral process to connect your student with adult agency services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Department of Mental Health (DMH), or other state agencies—though these services are not guaranteed. Your student has the right to participate in all IEP and transition planning meetings. At age 18, your student becomes a legal adult and can make decisions about their education; you may pursue shared decision-making, delegated decision-making, or guardianship if needed. If the school does not provide promised services, you can request facilitated IEP meetings, mediation, or file a due process hearing with the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) at (781) 338-6443.
What Massachusetts Requires
Transition services must be included in your student's IEP beginning at age 14, documented in the Transition Planning Form (TPF), with a post-secondary vision statement addressing education, employment, and independent living goals.
Schools must conduct formal and informal transition assessments to identify your student's skills, interests, and needs; you can request additional assessments in writing using the Evaluation Consent Form.
At age 16 (or no later than two years before your student leaves school), the school must begin the Chapter 688 referral process to adult agencies; both parent and student must consent to the referral in writing.
Community-based and work-based learning experiences must be included in the transition plan as part of FAPE; these are not optional add-ons.
Your student has the right to participate in all IEP and transition planning meetings; at age 14 and beyond, schools must invite and encourage meaningful student participation.
Key Timelines
Age 14: Transition services begin; first TPF must be developed; transition assessments requested and documented in the IEP
Age 16 (or within 2 years before exit): Chapter 688 referral process must begin; schools must contact adult agencies (DDS, DMH, DPH, DCF, MCB, MCDHH, MRC)
Age 18: Student becomes legal adult and has right to make IEP decisions; shared decision-making or guardianship options should be discussed by age 17
Age 22 (or upon graduation): FAPE and transition services entitlement ends; Individual Transition Plan (ITP) from adult agency should be in place
Two-year planning window: Schools must allow two years from 688 referral to graduation/age 22 for adult agencies to determine eligibility and secure funding