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 applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding. The law was enacted in 1974 and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.
Key Provisions of FERPA
FERPA gives students certain rights with respect to their education records, including the right to inspect and review their records, the right to request amendments to their records, and the right to consent to disclosure of their records. FERPA also requires educational institutions to protect the confidentiality of student education records and to notify students of their rights under the law.
Who is Protected Under FERPA?
FERPA protects the education records of students who are currently enrolled or formerly enrolled in an educational institution. The law applies to students from elementary school through higher education, including undergraduate and graduate students. FERPA does not apply to employees of an educational institution, unless they are also enrolled as students.
| FERPA Rights | Description |
|---|---|
| Right to Inspect and Review | Students have the right to inspect and review their education records. |
| Right to Request Amendments | Students have the right to request amendments to their education records if they believe the records are inaccurate or misleading. |
| Right to Consent to Disclosure | Students have the right to consent to disclosure of their education records, except in certain circumstances specified by FERPA. |
FERPA Exceptions
FERPA allows for certain exceptions to the general rule that education records may not be disclosed without student consent. For example, FERPA permits disclosure of education records to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records, to other schools to which the student is transferring, and in response to a subpoena or other judicial order. FERPA also allows for disclosure of directory information, such as a student’s name, address, and telephone number, unless the student has opted out of such disclosure.
FERPA and Technology
The increasing use of technology in education has raised new challenges for FERPA compliance. Educational institutions must ensure that electronic education records are secure and protected from unauthorized access, and that online disclosures of education records are made in accordance with FERPA. This may require the use of encryption and other security measures to protect electronic education records.
- FERPA applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding.
- FERPA gives students certain rights with respect to their education records.
- FERPA requires educational institutions to protect the confidentiality of student education records.
What is FERPA and how does it protect student education records?
+FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives students certain rights with respect to their education records, including the right to inspect and review their records, the right to request amendments to their records, and the right to consent to disclosure of their records.
Who is protected under FERPA?
+FERPA protects the education records of students who are currently enrolled or formerly enrolled in an educational institution. The law applies to students from elementary school through higher education, including undergraduate and graduate students.
