Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Public schools are further bound by federal legislation that mandates how student information is to be maintained. For students, information safety is specifically addressed by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as FERPA. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education information. FERPA assures that students have specific rights regarding information and requires that schools strictly adhere to the guidelines. Therefore, it is imperative that schools have a plan regarding information security. 

Federal Register. (2001). 34 CFR Part 99, Part V, Family Education Rights and Privacy, Final Rule. Office of Family Policy Compliance, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Washington, D.C. 

Schools, for example, have comprehensive information security measures mandated by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as... 

Office of Family Policy Comphance, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). (2008). FERPA primer the basics and beyond. Available November 15, 2011, at http // www.naceweb.org/pubhc/ferpa0808.htm... 

Confidentiality of student health records and information is a major concern for schools. There are several federal statutes that are relevant including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (ferpa), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (idea), as well as state laws concerning a minor s right to medical treatment. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to present a detailed discussion on confidentiality. However, the confidentiality of health records and a student s desire for privacy may limit the information on a student s health condition that can be shared with teachers. All schools should have policies and procedures regarding student confidentiality. These policies should distinguish health records from academic records and have clear guidelines for how confidential health information is shared within the school (American School Health Association (asha), 2000). 

The Family Education and Privacy Act was enacted by Congress to protect the privacy of student educational information. This privacy right is vested in the student. Institutions may not disclose directory information in the student s educational record without the student s consent. Institutions must have written permission... 

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