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 and eligible students rights regarding access to their educational information and controls how that information is disclosed. This law is particularly relevant for educational institutions as they adopt educational apps and software that may handle sensitive student data.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Parents have the right to inspect and review their child's education records until the student turns 18 or attends a school beyond high school.
3. Schools must obtain written consent from parents or eligible students before disclosing personally identifiable information from education records, with certain exceptions.
4. FERPA allows schools to disclose 'directory information' without consent unless parents have opted out of such disclosures.
5. Failure to comply with FERPA can result in the loss of federal funding for educational institutions.

Review Questions

• How does FERPA impact the use of educational apps and software in schools?
  • FERPA significantly influences how schools implement educational apps and software, as these technologies often handle sensitive student data. Schools must ensure that any app used complies with FERPA regulations by obtaining proper consent before sharing any personally identifiable information. Additionally, educational software must safeguard student records from unauthorized access and misuse, which requires careful vetting of app developers regarding their data privacy practices.
• What are the responsibilities of educational institutions under FERPA concerning student records?
  • Educational institutions have several key responsibilities under FERPA. They must provide parents and eligible students access to education records, offer an opportunity to request amendments if they believe the records are inaccurate, and establish policies for handling directory information. Institutions must also train staff on FERPA requirements and ensure that any disclosures of education records comply with legal standards, protecting student privacy throughout.
• Evaluate the implications of FERPA on student privacy in the digital age, especially with increased reliance on technology in education.
  • The implications of FERPA on student privacy have become increasingly critical in today's digital age as educational institutions rely more heavily on technology. With numerous apps and online platforms collecting student data, ensuring compliance with FERPA presents challenges. Schools must continually assess whether their digital tools maintain robust data protection measures and respect students' rights under FERPA. As technology evolves, educators and administrators must remain vigilant in balancing innovation with the protection of students' personal information.

Related terms

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

Directory Information: Information contained in an educational record that is generally not considered harmful if disclosed, such as a student's name, address, phone number, or date of birth.

Consent: A legal term referring to the agreement that must be obtained from parents or eligible students before disclosing personally identifiable information from education records.