FERPA TRAINING (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)
What rights do parents have under FERPA?
FERPA gives certain rights to parents regarding their children’s educational records.
- - Rights transfer to the student upon reaching 18 years of age or attending any school beyond the secondary level.
When may a parent access a student’s educational records?
- - A school may release information to a parent if the student is claimed as a dependent for Federal income tax purposes, but the school is not required to do so.
- - Access may be granted to both the parent who claims the student as well as the parent who is not claiming the student.
How can a parent access student information if the student is not being claimed by either parent for Federal income tax purposes?
- - Parent can have access only if the student is willing to release information.
- - Student/s must complete the Authorization of Release form (available in the Record’s Office) each time information is to be released.
A parent may access student information, but may not act on the student’s behalf except in emergency situations.