Which federal law protects the privacy of student education records?

Which federal law protects the privacy of student education records?

• A. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
• B. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• C. Americans with Disabilities Act
• D. Rehabilitation Act (Section 504)

Answer: (B)

The main idea is protecting who can see a student’s education information and how that information is shared. FERPA is the federal law that specifically governs the privacy of these records. It gives eligible students and parents certain rights, like inspecting and requesting amendments to education records and controlling disclosures. In general, schools can’t release education records to outside parties without written consent, with important exceptions such as disclosures to school officials with a legitimate educational interest, disclosures in health or safety emergencies, disclosures to other schools to which a student is transferring, or the school providing directory information unless the family opts out. These rules are what keep education records private and used only in appropriate ways. Disability-related laws like IDEA, ADA, and Rehab Act address services, accommodations, and anti-discrimination for students with disabilities. They are important for ensuring access and rights in education, but they do not single-handedly govern the privacy of education records the way FERPA does.

The main idea is protecting who can see a student’s education information and how that information is shared. FERPA is the federal law that specifically governs the privacy of these records. It gives eligible students and parents certain rights, like inspecting and requesting amendments to education records and controlling disclosures. In general, schools can’t release education records to outside parties without written consent, with important exceptions such as disclosures to school officials with a legitimate educational interest, disclosures in health or safety emergencies, disclosures to other schools to which a student is transferring, or the school providing directory information unless the family opts out. These rules are what keep education records private and used only in appropriate ways.

Disability-related laws like IDEA, ADA, and Rehab Act address services, accommodations, and anti-discrimination for students with disabilities. They are important for ensuring access and rights in education, but they do not single-handedly govern the privacy of education records the way FERPA does.