As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. You also want to make sure their privacy is protected and respected. That’s why it’s important to understand the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal law protects the privacy of student’s educational records, including grade reports, medical records, and disciplinary records. Here's what parents should know about FERPA.

Table of Contents

1. Who is Covered Under FERPA?

2. What Does FERPA Protect?

3. How Does FERPA Impact My Child?

4. How could FERPA Impact Parents?
   

Who is covered under FERPA?

FERPA applies to all elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools that receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education.

It applies to any student who is currently enrolled or is in attendance at an educational institution regardless of age or status as a dependent student.

Additionally, FERPA covers former students whose education records are maintained by the school district or college/university for a period of time after they have left the school or graduated.

What Does FERPA Protect?

FERPA protects a student’s right to privacy by giving them control over their educational records and preventing unauthorized parties from accessing them without permission. These records include any information that can directly identify a student, such as name, address, email address, phone number, Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, grades/test scores/coursework information, discipline/conduct files, and health records. 

Additionally, most schools will require parental consent before releasing any information related to their children's educational records—even if requested by another parent with joint custody or siblings who are minors under 18 years old—unless specified otherwise in court documents like a divorce decree or order of protection for the child in question.

This means that without written consent from both parents (or legal guardians) most schools will not be able to release any information about a student's academic progress or personal details without explicit permission from both parties involved. 

How Does FERPA Impact My Child?

Under FERPA, parents have the right to inspect and review their child’s educational records, including grades, test scores, disciplinary actions taken against the student, class schedules, medical information, transcripts, and other related documents.

If any of this information is inaccurate or misleading, parents can request that it be corrected or amended. Schools must make sure that only authorized personnel have access to student’s educational records; this includes any third-party vendors who may be contracted by the school district for specific tasks or services relating to students’ education. 

Additionally, schools are required to notify parents when confidential information has been released without parental consent—including in cases where the student himself provided access—and provide them with an opportunity to challenge the release if necessary.

How Could FERPA Impact Parents or Guardians?

Parents can access their child’s educational record by submitting an official request in writing to their child’s school district or college/university office of admissions and enrollment services office providing full name and contact details for each parent requesting access (including SSN if applicable).

All requests must be made within 45 days after receipt of the request and include copies of valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport, along with other relevant documentation, such as an order of protection if applicable. Once received, the school will review the request and respond accordingly with further instructions on how to proceed with obtaining access to your child's educational record(s).  

In addition to this process, there may be additional requirements depending on local laws governing access rights, so it is important that parents also understand these rules when making requests for the release of information related to their children's academic progress at home/abroad institutions they are attending/enrolled in abroad (if applicable)

FERPA has several implications on how parents interact with their children’s school. For example, if a school wants to share information about a student with anyone outside of the family unit (friends of family members, extended family members such as grandparents or uncles/aunts), they must receive written permission from either the child (if they are over 18 years old) or their parents before doing so.

This helps protect students against potential abuse or exploitation by unscrupulous individuals who may try to use personal information gleaned from school documents against them. In addition, this law also helps protect students from discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation or religious beliefs since it prevents schools from disclosing such information without authorization. 

 Additionally, FERPA gives parents control over who can view their children’s educational records if they choose not to give permission for someone else to do so. This means that even if an extended family member wishes to view the records of their grandchild or niece/nephew, they would need written permission from either the child themselves (if over 18) or from one of their parents before doing so.

It’s important for all parents to understand their rights under FERPA in order to ensure their children’s privacy rights are protected at school.

Familiarizing yourself with this law ensures that your child’s education records remain secure while still allowing you access as needed so you can stay involved in your child’s academic progress. Knowing your rights under FERPA allows you peace of mind knowing that your child’s privacy is being respected at school—and that you can take action if necessary should any issues arise concerning his or her educational record(s).

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Action Item:

If you haven’t already, review our Free Annual IEP Companion. It’s a great tool to have.

PS- Don’t forget to use the Preparing Your Parental Concerns and IEP Meeting Note Template.

Until next time,

EI