FERPA

Definition

FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It grants parents certain rights regarding their children's education records, including the right to access and amend these records. As digital learning and online education policies evolve, FERPA's importance grows in safeguarding student information in an increasingly online environment, ensuring that educational institutions handle personal data responsibly and in compliance with the law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FERPA applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding, including colleges and universities.
2. Parents have the right to inspect and review their child's education records until the student turns 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.
3. Under FERPA, students have the right to request corrections to their education records if they believe the information is inaccurate or misleading.
4. Educational institutions must notify students of their FERPA rights annually, ensuring transparency and awareness of privacy protections.
5. Violations of FERPA can result in the loss of federal funding for the institution involved, highlighting the law's importance in maintaining privacy standards.

Review Questions

• How does FERPA influence the handling of student data in digital learning environments?
  • FERPA significantly influences how educational institutions manage student data in digital learning environments by setting strict guidelines on privacy and access. Schools must ensure that any online platforms they use comply with FERPA regulations, safeguarding students' personal information. This includes obtaining consent before sharing any data and providing transparency about how data is stored and used.
• What are the implications of FERPA for online education programs regarding parental access to student records?
  • FERPA has specific implications for online education programs concerning parental access to student records. Under FERPA, parents have rights to access their children's education records until the student reaches 18 years old or attends a postsecondary institution. Online programs must establish clear policies on how they handle requests for access and ensure that parents are aware of their rights while also protecting student privacy as they transition into adulthood.
• Evaluate how FERPA's requirements impact institutional policies on data sharing and collaboration in digital learning settings.
  • FERPA's requirements critically impact institutional policies regarding data sharing and collaboration in digital learning settings. Institutions must create comprehensive policies that balance the need for collaboration with strict adherence to privacy laws. This means developing protocols for sharing data with third-party vendors while ensuring that any disclosure complies with FERPA’s consent requirements. By doing so, institutions can foster innovation in digital learning while safeguarding students' rights.

Related terms

Educational Records: Records that are directly related to a student and maintained by an educational institution, which can include grades, transcripts, and disciplinary records.

Consent: A requirement under FERPA that educational institutions must obtain consent from parents or eligible students before disclosing personally identifiable information from education records.

Directory Information: Information in a student's education record that is not considered harmful or invasive if disclosed, such as name, address, and telephone number, which schools may share without consent unless parents opt out.