The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and it is crucial for students, parents, and educational institutions to understand its provisions. Here are 10 key facts about FERPA that you need to know:
Introduction to FERPA
FERPA was enacted in 1974 to provide students with certain rights regarding their education records. The law applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding, including elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities. FERPA’s primary goal is to protect the privacy of student education records, while also providing students with the right to access and review their records.
Key Provisions of FERPA
FERPA has several key provisions that educational institutions must follow. These provisions include annual notification requirements, which obligate institutions to notify students of their rights under FERPA. Institutions must also provide students with access to their education records, and allow them to request corrections to any inaccuracies in their records. Additionally, FERPA requires institutions to obtain written consent from students before disclosing their education records to third parties.
| FERPA Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Notification | Institutions must notify students of their rights under FERPA |
| Access to Education Records | Students have the right to access and review their education records |
| Correction of Records | Students can request corrections to inaccuracies in their education records |
| Disclosure of Records | Institutions must obtain written consent from students before disclosing their education records to third parties |
FERPA and Educational Institutions
Educational institutions have a significant responsibility to comply with FERPA’s provisions. This includes developing policies and procedures for managing student education records, as well as training staff and faculty on FERPA’s requirements. Institutions must also designate a FERPA officer to oversee compliance with the law.
FERPA and Students
Students have certain rights under FERPA, including the right to access and review their education records. Students can also request corrections to inaccuracies in their records, and file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe their rights have been violated. Additionally, students have the right to opt-out of directory information disclosure, which includes information such as their name, address, and telephone number.
- Right to access and review education records
- Right to request corrections to inaccuracies in education records
- Right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education
- Right to opt-out of directory information disclosure
What is FERPA, and why is it important?
+FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It's essential because it provides students with certain rights regarding their education records, and ensures that educational institutions comply with federal regulations.
What are some common FERPA violations?
+Common FERPA violations include disclosing student education records without consent, failing to provide students with access to their records, and not obtaining written consent from students before disclosing their records to third parties.
In conclusion, FERPA is a critical federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Educational institutions and students must understand FERPA’s provisions to ensure compliance and protect student privacy. By knowing the key facts about FERPA, institutions and students can work together to maintain the integrity of student education records and ensure that students’ rights are protected.
