FERPA: Teachers Essential School Law Guide

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FERPA: A Teachers Essential Guide (Explained in Plain English)


Okay, so youre a teacher. Youre shaping young minds, grading papers until your eyes cross, and generally trying to do your best for your students.

FERPA: Teachers Essential School Law Guide - managed services new york city

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Youre probably thinking, "Another acronym? Seriously?" But trust me, FERPA (pronounced FUR-puh) is one you need to know. It stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and essentially, its all about protecting student education records. Think of it as the students right to privacy, but with a bunch of rules attached.


Why should you care? Well, FERPA dictates what information you can and cant share about your students, and to whom. Its not just about report cards, although those are definitely covered. It encompasses pretty much anything that identifies a student and is maintained by the school. This includes things like grades, attendance records, disciplinary actions, and even contact information. (Yes, even that seemingly innocuous phone number.)


The main idea is that parents (or eligible students, which well get to) have the right to access and control their educational records. They can inspect them, request corrections if they believe something is inaccurate, and even prevent the school from disclosing certain information to third parties. (Think colleges, potential employers, or even other family members in some situations.)


Now, "eligible student" is a key phrase. Once a student turns 18, or attends a post-secondary institution (like college), the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student themselves. Theyre considered "eligible" and theyre now in charge of their own educational destiny, privacy-wise. This is a big deal, and its important to remember. You cant just assume you can talk to a parent about their childs college grades, even if theyre paying the tuition.


So, what can you do? First, be mindful of what youre saying and to whom. Avoid discussing a students performance or personal information with anyone who doesnt have a legitimate educational interest. (Thats school-speak for someone who needs the information to do their job.) Dont post grades publicly, even with student ID numbers. And be extremely careful about sharing information over email, which is notoriously insecure.


Second, know your schools specific FERPA policies. managed service new york Every school district (and college) should have a designated FERPA officer or point person who can answer your questions and provide guidance. Dont be afraid to ask for help! Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to student privacy.


Finally, remember that FERPA is designed to protect students. While it might seem like a hassle at times, its ultimately about ensuring that their educational records are treated with respect and confidentiality. By understanding and following the rules, youre not just complying with the law, youre also contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment. Think of it as showing respect for your students, and thats something every good teacher wants to do.



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Top 10 School FERPA Compliance Tips

FERPA: Teachers Essential School Law Guide