Which law protects student educational records?

Which law protects student educational records?

• A. FERPA
• B. HIPAA
• C. ESEA
• D. IDEA

Answer: (A)

FERPA protects student educational records by giving students and eligible parents rights to access their records and control who can see them. It defines what counts as education records and requires schools to obtain written consent to disclose most of that information, except in specific, allowed situations such as disclosures to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. It also ensures the right to inspect and request amendments to records and requires schools to notify families about these rights. While other laws touch on related areas—HIPAA governs health information, ESEA focuses on standards and accountability, and IDEA governs special education services—the general protection and management of education records for most students fall under FERPA.

FERPA protects student educational records by giving students and eligible parents rights to access their records and control who can see them. It defines what counts as education records and requires schools to obtain written consent to disclose most of that information, except in specific, allowed situations such as disclosures to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. It also ensures the right to inspect and request amendments to records and requires schools to notify families about these rights. While other laws touch on related areas—HIPAA governs health information, ESEA focuses on standards and accountability, and IDEA governs special education services—the general protection and management of education records for most students fall under FERPA.