Why FERPA Matters
FERPA violations can result in loss of federal funding, legal liability, and damage to student and family trust. Every educator handling student data must understand basic FERPA requirements.
A well-meaning teacher posted student work on social media, including names. A counselor shared information with a parent's employer who called asking about a student. An administrator forwarded an email containing student data to the wrong recipient. Each incident violated FERPA—often unknowingly.
What FERPA Protects
Education Records
FERPA protects "education records"—any records directly related to a student and maintained by the school. This includes grades and transcripts, attendance records, discipline records, special education records, health records maintained by schools, and counseling notes in school files.
What's Not Covered
Some records fall outside FERPA: sole possession notes (teacher's personal notes not shared with anyone), law enforcement records, employment records, and records of students 18+ at postsecondary institutions (with some exceptions).
Core FERPA Rights
- Right to inspect: Parents (or eligible students 18+) can review education records
- Right to amend: Parents can request correction of inaccurate records
- Right to consent: Generally, disclosure requires parental consent
- Right to complain: Complaints can be filed with the Department of Education
FERPA Compliance
Ensure your data practices meet FERPA requirements and protect student privacy.
Key FERPA Exceptions
While FERPA generally requires consent for disclosure, several exceptions allow sharing without consent:
School Officials Exception
Records can be shared with school officials with "legitimate educational interest"—teachers, counselors, administrators who need access to do their jobs.
Transfer Exception
Records can be sent to schools where the student seeks or intends to enroll, without prior consent (though parents should be notified).
Health and Safety Emergency
In genuine emergencies, schools can disclose information necessary to protect health or safety.
Directory Information
Schools can designate certain information as "directory information" (name, address, photo, etc.) that can be disclosed without consent, unless parents opt out.
Common FERPA Mistakes
- • Sharing student information in public settings (hallways, social media)
- • Leaving records visible on desks or screens
- • Discussing students with unauthorized individuals
- • Sending records to wrong recipients
- • Failing to secure electronic files
- • Assuming all staff have access to all records
Resources & Guides
Access implementation guides, best practices, and training materials for your team.
Building FERPA Compliance
Training
All staff handling student data need FERPA training—not just administrators. Include scenarios and practical guidance.
Policies and Procedures
Establish clear procedures for record access, disclosure requests, and data security. Make policies accessible and understandable.
Access Controls
Limit access to those with legitimate educational interest. Implement role-based access in data systems.
FERPA compliance isn't just legal obligation—it's about maintaining the trust students and families place in schools when they share sensitive information. Every person handling student data is a steward of that trust.
Key Takeaways
- FERPA protects education records and gives parents rights to inspect, amend, and control disclosure.
- Key exceptions allow disclosure to school officials, receiving schools, and in emergencies.
- Common mistakes include public sharing, inadequate security, and assuming universal access.
- Build compliance through training, clear policies, and access controls.
Dr. Emily Rodriguez
Director of Student Support Services
Expert in student intervention strategies with a focus on early warning systems and MTSS implementation.
