FERPA

Definition

FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law in the United States that protects the privacy of student education records. This law grants parents and eligible students specific rights regarding access to education records, the ability to request corrections, and control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information. FERPA plays a crucial role in ensuring confidentiality and privacy in educational settings, which is essential for maintaining trust between students, parents, and educational institutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FERPA applies to all schools that receive funding under any program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Parents or eligible students can inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school within 45 days of requesting access.
3. Schools must provide annual notification to students regarding their rights under FERPA, including how to file complaints if they believe their rights have been violated.
4. FERPA allows for certain exceptions where schools can disclose information without consent, such as to school officials with legitimate educational interests.
5. Violations of FERPA can result in the loss of federal funding for educational institutions.

Review Questions

• How does FERPA protect student privacy and what rights does it grant to parents and eligible students?
  • FERPA protects student privacy by establishing rights for parents and eligible students concerning their education records. It grants the right to access these records, request corrections, and control disclosures of personally identifiable information. This framework helps maintain confidentiality and fosters trust within educational environments, ensuring that sensitive student information is safeguarded against unauthorized access.
• Discuss the implications of FERPA on educational institutions when it comes to handling student information.
  • FERPA imposes strict guidelines on educational institutions regarding how they manage and share student information. Schools must ensure compliance by obtaining consent before disclosing personally identifiable information, except in specific circumstances outlined by the law. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to serious consequences, including loss of federal funding and damage to the institution's reputation.
• Evaluate the balance between transparency in education and the protection of student privacy as mandated by FERPA.
  • Evaluating the balance between transparency and privacy under FERPA involves considering both the need for open communication within educational settings and the necessity of protecting individual student information. While transparency helps foster an inclusive educational environment where parents can be involved, FERPA ensures that this does not come at the cost of compromising student privacy. Striking this balance is crucial in maintaining trust while adhering to legal standards that protect students' rights.

Related terms

Educational Records: Records that are directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution.

Consent: The permission required under FERPA for schools to disclose personally identifiable information from a student's education records.

Directory Information: Information that schools may disclose without consent under FERPA, such as a student's name, address, and telephone number.