Student Privacy

The key federal law dealing with student privacy is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA. However, student privacy is also affected by the No Child Left Behind Act as well as numerous other federal and state laws. Provided here is a brief guide to the issues. Family Educational Rights and Privacy ActFERPA applies to every educational body, public or private, regardless of grade level, which receives federal funding. In practice, this covers virtually every school, college and educational agency in the United States.In general, FERPA prevents schools from releasing personally identifiable information about any student without the consent of the student, or if the student is a minor, a parent. However, records may be released to those with a legitimate reason for the request, including financial aid officials, auditors, and other schools that the student plans to attend. Records may also be released in health and safety emergencies and in…