FERPA classifies protected information into three categories: educational information, personally identifiable information, and directory information.
What student information is protected under FERPA?
FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment, defines education records as all records that schools or education agencies maintain about students. FERPA gives parents (as well as students in postsecondary schools) the right to review and confirm the accuracy of education records.
What types of records are covered by FERPA?
2. What kinds of records are covered by FERPA? Any record that can be linked to a specific student, whether by name, by social security number, by student ID, or through any other kind of personally identifiable information (e.g., transcripts, financial records, assignments, etc.) is covered.
Which of the following information does FERPA protect?
FERPA generally prohibits the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information derived from education records. Thus, information that an official obtained through personal knowledge or observation, or has heard orally from others, is not protected under FERPA.
How long do schools keep records of students?
As a general rule of thumb, schools should keep temporary student information like attendance records for at least 5 years after a student no longer attends, and permanent records should be kept for at least 60 years.
What can be disclosed without consent?
Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.
What is considered personally identifiable information under FERPA?
Personally identifiable information for education records is a FERPA term referring to identifiable information that is maintained in education records and includes direct identifiers, such as a student’s name or identification number, indirect identifiers, such as a student’s date of birth, or other information which …
Is a student ID number FERPA protected?
For all other employees who are enrolled as students, their ID numbers are excluded from FERPA only if they “relate exclusively to the individual in that individual’s capacity as an employee” and “are not available for use for any other purpose.” If the University uses or maintains a record of the number as the …
Is violating FERPA a felony?
The Privacy Act creates both criminal and civil penalties for violators. Individuals who willfully violate the disclosure provisions can be convicted of a misdemeanor and fined up to $5,000. Any party who knowingly or willfully obtains a person’s record also faces criminal penalties.
Can a school ask for medical information?
No, a school cannot demand medical records.