FERPA

Definition

FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. This law grants students certain rights regarding their educational information, including the right to access their records and request corrections. FERPA establishes guidelines for who can access student information and under what circumstances, emphasizing the ethical handling of data, especially as technology becomes more integral in educational settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FERPA applies to all schools that receive federal funding, including public and private institutions.
2. Students have the right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of making a request.
3. FERPA allows students to request the amendment of their records if they believe them to be inaccurate or misleading.
4. Schools must have written permission from the student before releasing any information from a student's education record, with certain exceptions.
5. Violations of FERPA can result in penalties for educational institutions, including the potential loss of federal funding.

Review Questions

• How does FERPA ensure the protection of student privacy in the digital age?
  • FERPA ensures the protection of student privacy by establishing clear guidelines for who can access student educational records and under what circumstances. As technology advances and more educational institutions store data electronically, FERPA requires schools to maintain confidentiality and safeguard this information from unauthorized access. This is particularly important when using online platforms for learning, ensuring that sensitive student information is not disclosed without consent.
• Discuss the role of consent under FERPA in relation to emerging technologies used in education.
  • Under FERPA, consent is crucial when it comes to sharing educational records, especially with the rise of emerging technologies. Students must give explicit permission before their personal information can be disclosed through various digital platforms, which helps maintain their privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. Schools need to ensure that any software or technology they use complies with FERPA regulations and that students understand their rights concerning their data.
• Evaluate the implications of FERPA on educational technology providers who handle student data.
  • FERPA has significant implications for educational technology providers, as they must comply with its regulations when dealing with student data. This compliance necessitates that tech companies implement robust data protection measures and obtain necessary consents before processing any personally identifiable information. Failure to adhere to FERPA can lead to serious legal consequences and impact their ability to partner with educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices in managing student data amidst the rise of new technologies.

Related terms

Educational Records: Records that contain information directly related to a student and maintained by an educational institution or party acting on its behalf.

Directory Information: Information contained in a student's educational record that is not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, such as name, address, and phone number.

Consent: An agreement given by students or their guardians before an educational institution can disclose personally identifiable information from their education records.