Which federal law protects the privacy of student education records?

Which federal law protects the privacy of student education records?

• A. Family Privacy and Education Act
• B. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• C. Federal Education Records Act
• D. Privacy of Education Records Act

Answer: (B)

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents and eligible students the right to access and review records, request amendments, and control disclosures. An education record is any record that is directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution (or by someone acting for them). This includes grades, transcripts, and many communications or documents stored by the school. In general, schools must obtain written consent before sharing these records, though there are important exceptions—for example, disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests, to other schools the student is transferring to, or in health or safety emergencies. Directory information can be shared without consent unless the family opts out. FERPA is the established law that enforces these privacy protections; other named acts aren’t correct titles for this federal legislation.

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents and eligible students the right to access and review records, request amendments, and control disclosures. An education record is any record that is directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution (or by someone acting for them). This includes grades, transcripts, and many communications or documents stored by the school. In general, schools must obtain written consent before sharing these records, though there are important exceptions—for example, disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests, to other schools the student is transferring to, or in health or safety emergencies. Directory information can be shared without consent unless the family opts out.

FERPA is the established law that enforces these privacy protections; other named acts aren’t correct titles for this federal legislation.