Transferring to a New School (Moving to Texas, Part 2)

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Moving to Texas? Here are some tips to make the transition to a new school a little easier.

Before you move:

• Make sure all the services your child receives are well documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP). 
• Review your child's educational goals and objectives and determine whether they are clear and measurable. If not, ask your child’s current teacher to help clarify them.
• Make sure your child’s medical and learning evaluations are up to date. Many parents like to have the evaluation done by people who have already worked with their child before they move.
• Organize your paperwork in a binder, including a complete copy of your child’s most current evaluation and IEP. Before withdrawing your child from school, ask to see their special education folder and make copies of important papers. The school only sends the most recent attendance notes, grades and IEP when transferring records.

Before selecting a home:

• Visit the school your new house would be zoned to and make sure it’s a good fit for your child. Texas schools are site-based, so principals set the tone. That means schools can be very different, even within the same district. Ask a lot of questions and find out the school’s stance on issues important to you.
• If you find a school you like, check if there are plans for “rezoning.” If you’re moving into a high-growth area, there’s a chance your child will have to change schools at some point.
• Check out the Texas Education Agency School District Locator for contact information and performance data.
• To see how students with disabilities perform in a particular district with regard to testing, discipline, and least restrictive environments, see TEA’s District Reports.

Before your first Admission, Review, Dismissal (ARD) meeting at your child’s new school:

• Create a one-page profile to introduce your child. 
• Visit the Navigate Life Texas website for education and school information.
• Visit the Family to Family Network website for IEP Support Tools.
• If you’re moving to a location other than the Houston area, call the Parent Training & Information Center to find support.
• Learn about special education in Texas.

Remember that you’re part of the process. You can agree or disagree with whatever the new school is planning to provide. Know your child’s rights to a public education.

You can also learn more on the Moving to Texas webpage.