Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. (FERPA) serves to protect the privacy of students’
educational records and prevent the unauthorized disclosure of such information (Essex 2016).
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 is a federal law that protects
the privacy of students' education records. As educational professionals, it is our responsibility to
understand and implement FERPA regulations to safeguard the confidentiality of our student's
information.
Under FERPA, students who have reached the age of 18 or attending higher education are
regarded as "eligible students." Parents have the right to access their child's records until the
student becomes eligible, unless the student is classified as independent. These rights extend to
parents of students with disabilities, those who have dual enrollment in K12 and higher
education, and other special cases.
The primary right that parents and eligible students have under FERPA is the right to inspect and
review their education records. This includes any academic or personal information maintained
by the educational institution. This right allows parents and eligible students to ensure that the
information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. If errors are identified, they can request that
the information be corrected. FERPA also gives parents and eligible students the right to
withhold the disclosure of "directory information." This includes information such as name,
address, phone number, and email address. Institutions must inform students and parents of their
rights to withhold disclosure, and allow them to opt-out of sharing this information with third
parties.
Students with disabilities also have specific FERPA rights. Educational institutions must ensure
that the information in their education records is protected, and only disclosed to authorized
individuals. Students with disabilities have the right to inspect and review their education
records, and request that any discrepancies be corrected. They also have the right to request
accommodations and modifications necessary to ensure they have equal access to education
opportunities.
Finally, FERPA also protects the privacy of students who are dually enrolled in K12 and higher
education. For example, if a student is enrolled in a college course while still in high school, that
student's education records may be subject to both FERPA and the regulations of the school
district they attend. Educational institutions should have protocols in place to ensure compliance
with both sets of regulations.
In conclusion, FERPA provides important rights for parents and eligible students that must be
followed by educational institutions. Effective implementation of FERPA requires ongoing
efforts to educate stakeholders and ensure that policies and procedures align with the law’s
provisions (Koch & Massengill, 2021). We must prioritize safeguarding the privacy of our
student's information and ensure that everyone with access to the records is educated and trained
on FERPA regulations. All students, regardless of age, disability status, or enrollment status,
should have their privacy protected under this federal law.
References:
Essex, N. (2016).School law and the public schools: A practical guide for educational leaders
(6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Publishing
Koch, J. V., & Massengill, D. (2021). The importance and challenges of FERPA: Family
educational rights and privacy act. New Directions for Student Services, 2021(172), 37-45.
.A
FERPA is an important tool for protecting the privacy and rights of students and their families,
and educational leaders must take its provisions seriously (Essex, 2016). Students and parents
have the right to control personal information and access to educational records, which
ultimately empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their education. As a student, I
appreciate the ability to access my educational records and ensure that the information contained
is accurate. It is also important to note that even noncustodial parents have the right to access
their child's education records under FERPA, which highlights the importance of clear
communication between schools and parents to ensure that all parties involved are informed and
aware of their rights. Furthermore, the additional protections provided under IDEA for students
receiving special education services are crucial in promoting equitable access to education for all
students. Overall, FERPA and IDEA provide necessary protections for both students and parents,
and I am grateful for the provisions and procedural processes in place to maintain the
confidentiality and accuracy of educational records
References:
Essex, N. (2016).School law and the public schools: A practical guide for educational leaders
(6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Publishing
I completely agree with your perspective on FERPA and how it impacts students and parents.
Educational leaders must ensure that all school staff members understand FERPA requirements
and receive regular training to maintain compliance with the law (Essex, 2016). It is important
for eligible students to have control over their educational records, but having parents who
understand the complexities of FERPA can be immensely helpful during the college transition
process. As an educator, I've seen firsthand how parents who are knowledgeable about FERPA
and other policies can provide better support for their child's academic and personal
development. However, it is equally important for students to understand their rights and
responsibilities under FERPA, as it is a crucial step toward developing their own independence
and self-advocacy skills. A clear understanding of FERPA can also help to avoid conflicts and
misunderstandings between students, parents, and school officials. Overall, while FERPA can
sometimes make getting things accomplished for students a bit more challenging, it is crucial in
safeguarding student records and information. As educators, we can play a role in educating both
students and parents about FERPA and other policies to ensure a smooth transition to higher
education.
References:
Essex, N. (2016).School law and the public schools: A practical guide for educational leaders
(6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Publishing
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