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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

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Summary

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It is a law that protects the privacy of student records. Schools can’t share information about students without permission from the student or their parents, but there are a few exceptions. FERPA helps keep student information private and gives students and their families control over who can see it.

Frequently Asked Question

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What rights do students and parents have under FERPA?

Under FERPA, students and their parents have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records, to request that inaccurate information be corrected, and to control the disclosure of their personal information. Additionally, students have the right to opt out of having directory information disclosed without their consent, and to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe their rights under FERPA have been violated. These rights help ensure that students and their families have control over their education records and personal information, and help protect their privacy.

What types of information are protected under FERPA?

FERPA protects “education records,” which are defined as records that are directly related to a student and maintained by a school or by a party acting for the school. This includes a wide range of information, including grades, transcripts, disciplinary records, personal information, and more. FERPA helps ensure that this information is kept confidential and only disclosed with the consent of the student or their parents.

Are there any exceptions to FERPA's confidentiality requirements?

Yes, there are certain circumstances in which schools may disclose education records without consent. For example, schools may disclose information to school officials with a legitimate educational interest, such as teachers or administrators. Additionally, schools may disclose information to comply with a subpoena or court order, or in cases of health and safety emergencies. However, in all cases, the disclosure must be limited to only what is necessary and the school must take steps to protect the student’s privacy.

Scientific Definition

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FERPA means Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. It’s a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. This means that schools can’t share information about students, like grades, attendance, and personal information, without permission from the student or the student’s parents. There are exceptions, like if a school needs to share information with other schools or if a judge orders the school to share information. But overall, FERPA helps make sure that students’ private information stays private and that students and their families have control over who can see it. So if you’re a student, it’s essential to know about FERPA and your rights to protect your privacy.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Meet Susie, an imaginative and curious 9-year-old attending Greenfield Elementary School. One day, Susie’s teacher, Ms. Johnson, announces an upcoming parent-teacher conference where she’ll discuss each student’s progress. Susie’s excited but wonders how her teacher will share her information. Here’s how FERPA comes into play:

  • Confidentiality Protection: Ms. Johnson can’t disclose Susie’s grades or personal details to other parents without permission.
  • Secure Communication: Ms. Johnson sends Susie’s progress report directly to her parents’ secure email to maintain privacy.
  • Student’s Control: As Susie grows older, she’ll have more say in who accesses her educational records.
  • Safe School Environment: FERPA ensures only authorized personnel can access student records, promoting a safe learning space.

Thanks to FERPA, Susie feels confident that her academic journey remains private and her achievements are shared with the right people – her parents.

How Does Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Work?

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, operates to safeguard student privacy and control access to educational records. Here’s how it works and some real-life examples:

  • Consent Requirement: Schools must obtain permission from students or their parents before sharing educational information.
  • Limited Access: Only authorized personnel, like teachers and administrators, can access student records for legitimate educational purposes.
  • Parental Rights: Parents have the right to review their child’s records and request corrections if needed.
  • Student Rights: Students, once they reach 18 or attend higher education, gain control over their records and can grant or revoke access.
  • Data Protection: FERPA ensures schools take necessary measures to protect sensitive student data.
  • Example 1: A school needs parental consent before disclosing a student’s academic performance to a third-party educational program.
  • Example 2: Universities must seek student approval to share their transcripts with potential employers during job applications.

FERPA’s comprehensive approach empowers students and parents to safeguard educational privacy and control the dissemination of sensitive information. Goally’s tablet and apps help kids develop life and language skills while respecting FERPA privacy regulations. From visual schedules to social skills training, Goally supports children’s growth while safeguarding their educational records.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 7, 2023. It was updated on July 21, 2023.