Definition:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also called FERPA, is a federal law that establishes rights for students concerning their educational records.
In brief, these rights include:
- The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the student or parent's request;
- The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights;
- The FERPA requirement for schools to obtain the student/parent's permission before allowing personally identifiable information to be shared with a third party. Schools are not required to obtain consent before releasing information to those who have a legitimate educational interest in the records or the student's education; and
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning failures by the institution to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
- Special education records for students with learning disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are also protected by FERPA.
Back to Special Education and Learning Disability Terms
Also Known As: privacy rights, confidentiality of student records
Examples:
FERPA laws protect students' confidentiality.
