Which statement about FERPA is true?

Which statement about FERPA is true?

• A. Schools may disclose without consent for all records
• B. FERPA only applies to private schools
• C. FERPA generally requires consent for disclosure of education records, with exceptions
• D. FERPA applies only to grades

Answer: (C)

FERPA governs who can see a student’s education records and when. In general, schools cannot disclose those records without the student’s or parent’s consent, but there are specific, allowed exceptions that let a disclosure happen without consent. This includes sharing with school officials who have a legitimate educational interest, transferring to another school the student is enrolling in, certain types of studies or audits conducted in ways that protect student privacy, disclosures during health or safety emergencies, and when required by a subpoena or court order. Directory information may be released without consent unless the student has opted out. FERPA applies to all schools that receive federal funds, including both public and private institutions; it is not limited to private schools or to grades alone. So the statement that FERPA generally requires consent for disclosure, with exceptions, is the accurate summary.

FERPA governs who can see a student’s education records and when. In general, schools cannot disclose those records without the student’s or parent’s consent, but there are specific, allowed exceptions that let a disclosure happen without consent. This includes sharing with school officials who have a legitimate educational interest, transferring to another school the student is enrolling in, certain types of studies or audits conducted in ways that protect student privacy, disclosures during health or safety emergencies, and when required by a subpoena or court order. Directory information may be released without consent unless the student has opted out. FERPA applies to all schools that receive federal funds, including both public and private institutions; it is not limited to private schools or to grades alone. So the statement that FERPA generally requires consent for disclosure, with exceptions, is the accurate summary.