FERPA Explained: Educators Quick Start Guide
Okay, so youre an educator, right? And youve probably heard the acronym FERPA thrown around (pronounced "fur-pah," by the way). It sounds all official and maybe a little intimidating, but honestly, its not that scary. FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is basically a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Think of it as a students right to keep their academic info under wraps, unless they choose to share it.
Now, why should you, as an educator, care? Well, because youre handling those very records! Grades, attendance, disciplinary actions, even things like advising notes – all of that falls under FERPAs protection. And accidentally disclosing that information to the wrong person (like a parent without permission, or a fellow student) can get you and your institution into trouble. Nobody wants that.
So, whats the quick start guide part? Heres the super-simplified version:
First, know what constitutes an education record. Its pretty broad, encompassing almost anything that directly identifies a student and is maintained by the school. Think beyond just report cards. Emails with grades, notes from a meeting about a students performance, even a list of students participating in a certain program can all be considered education records.
Second, understand who has access. Generally, students themselves have the right to access their own education records once they turn 18 or attend a post-secondary institution (even if they are still under 18). Parents generally have access to their childs records, but that access usually ends when the student turns 18, unless the student provides written consent. There are also certain school officials who have a "legitimate educational interest" (meaning they need the information to do their job) who can access student records. Think teachers, counselors, and administrators.
Third, be careful about disclosures. This is the big one. Dont share student grades publicly (like posting them on a door). Dont discuss a students academic performance with other students (even in a seemingly innocent way). If a parent calls asking about their 20-year-old childs grades, you generally cant provide that information without the students written permission. managed it security services provider There are exceptions, of course, like in cases of health or safety emergencies, or when complying with a court order, but those are less common.
Fourth, know your institutions specific policies. Every school will have its own procedures in place for complying with FERPA. Familiarize yourself with those policies, including how students can access their records, how parents can request information, and what the process is for obtaining student consent for disclosures.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, when in doubt, ask!
FERPA might seem like a hassle, but its ultimately about protecting student privacy, which is a pretty important goal. By understanding the basics and following your institutions policies, you can easily navigate the complexities of FERPA and ensure youre doing your part to uphold student rights. And that, my friend, is a win-win.