Does the school have to consider an independent evaluation (and recommendations) obtained by the parents when planning an appropriate IEP?
Re: IEP and independent evaluation
THey have to “consider” it.
THey do have the right to consider it and then — because, of course, they are The Wise Experts — decide it has no bearing on what they’re doing.
However, if you document the independent evaluation and what you think should be done on the basis of it, then they should also be able to document if they don’t make changes based on its findings.
Yes, in fact they have to convene within 10 school days to consider the evaluation and make any changes to the IEP.