What Is
What Is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the federal law protecting the privacy of student education records. It applies to educational agencies and institutions that receive federal education funds (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99).
FERPA gives parents of minor students, and students once they turn 18 or enter postsecondary education, the right to inspect and review education records, to seek correction of records believed inaccurate, and to control most disclosures of records to third parties. Schools may disclose records without consent only in the limited circumstances the statute and regulations allow, such as to school officials with a legitimate educational interest or in response to a judicial order. Texas student-data protections operate alongside FERPA; the state guide explains where Texas law adds duties FERPA does not impose.
Pinpoint: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99. Related term: FERPA (FERPA).