--- title: What happens when you switch schools during the evaluation process description: What happens when your child moves to a new school during the evaluation process? Both schools have to coordinate to complete the evaluation. Learn more. slug: transferring-during-the-evaluation-process author: Andrew M.I. Lee, JD reviewer: Myrna Mandlawitz, MEd, JD published: '2019-08-05T16:01:22.877Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/AB04F8FCD84643FD9AC74A3540B93150/2cd74be792cc5ae97c1d0dfc8cf108d7/86514868.jpg source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/transferring-during-the-evaluation-process lang: en --- # What happens when you switch schools during the evaluation process Changing schools is a fact of life for many kids, especially those in [military families](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/special-education-services-for-military-families) or foster care. When you transfer to a new school in the middle of an evaluation, you still have the right to have the evaluation completed — and promptly. Here’s what the law requires. ## Both schools have to cooperate. Under the [Individuals with Disabilities Education Act](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-need-to-know) (IDEA), the schools must work together to complete the evaluation as quickly as possible. Your child’s new school has to ask for your child’s education records, including all test results. And the previous school has to cooperate and hand over records. > The law is clear: Transferring to a new school shouldn’t stop or unnecessarily delay an evaluation. It’s a good idea to get copies of all your child’s records before the transfer. This protects you in case any files get lost in the transition. You also can help the process by checking with the two schools to make sure records are being requested and received. ## The new school can do entirely new testing. Once the new school has your child’s records, it can decide to continue the previous school’s evaluation or conduct its own. The law allows the new school to redo the evaluation (or even some tests). This may happen if a student transfers into a school that has a different evaluation process or that requires new testing. ## The evaluation must be completed promptly. IDEA requires that schools finish initial evaluations within 60 days of parental consent. (If the state has a different timeline, that can be used.) This rule prevents the new school from delaying the evaluation. But issues can come up. Imagine a child who transfers 50 days after an evaluation starts. This would leave the child’s new school only 10 days to finish the evaluation. Such a short time frame could shortchange the child. In cases like this, parents and caregivers can agree to give the new school more time. If the new school is making progress on the evaluation, and you and the new school agree to a specific time for completion, then time can be extended. The law is clear: Transferring to a new school shouldn’t stop or unnecessarily delay an evaluation. By understanding [your child’s rights](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/evaluation-rights-what-you-need-to-know), you’ll be in a good position to make sure your child’s services are put in place. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [What can I do if the school is moving too slowly with an evaluation?](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-can-i-do-if-the-school-is-moving-too-slowly-with-an-evaluation) - As a parent advocate, I often hear this kind of frustration from the families I work with. As a mother, I understand it, too. When our kids are struggling, we want to get them the help they need as soon as possible. School districts have to follow specific guidelines for moving the evaluation proces - [Evaluation rights: What you need to know](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/evaluation-rights-what-you-need-to-know) - - Understanding your legal rights during the evaluation process can help you get the services your child needs. - As a parent or guardian, you have the right to request an evaluation at any time. - You also have the right to a timely evaluation that is comprehensive and unbiased. Getting your c - [What happens to your child’s IEP if you switch schools](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-happens-to-your-childs-iep-if-you-switch-schools) - - If you transfer to a new school within your school district, your childs IEP doesnt change. - If you transfer to another school district in or out of state, your child may need a new IEP. - IEPs are used nationwide, but different states may have special rules. 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