What is FERPA? A Parents Simple Guide

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What is FERPA? A Parents Simple Guide

Okay, so, FERPA! Decoding FERPA: A Parents Guide to Student Rights . What is it, right? A lot of parents hear this thrown around, especially when their kids get to college, and it can sound super complicated. But honestly, its not that scary. Think of it as a privacy law for your kiddos education records.




What is FERPA? A Parents Simple Guide - managed services new york city

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Basically, FERPA (that stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a mouthful, I know) says that once your child turns 18, or goes to college, they are in charge of their educational records.

What is FERPA? managed services new york city A Parents Simple Guide - managed it security services provider

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Not you! Unless... well, there are a couple of exceptions, which well get to.


These records include things like their grades, transcripts, class schedules, even disciplinary records. Anything the school keeps about your kids academic life. managed service new york FERPA gives them the right to see these records, to ask the school to correct them if there are errors (like, maybe the school thinks they failed a class they actually aced!), and most importantly, to decide who else gets to see them.


Now, heres where it gets a little tricky.

What is FERPA? A Parents Simple Guide - check

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Before your kiddo is 18, or if theyre still in high school, you generally have the right to access their records. But once theyre in college? Boop! That switches. You need their permission.


So, what are those exceptions I mentioned? Okay, one big one is if your kid is still considered a dependent for tax purposes. (You know, if youre still claiming them on your taxes). If thats the case, the school can share information with you. They dont have to, but they can. Its up to the schools policy, really.


Another exception is if theres a health or safety emergency. If your child is, like, seriously ill or theres some kind of dangerous situation, the school can contact you without their permission. Makes sense, right?


Some parents get frustrated (and I get it!) because they feel like theyre being shut out of their childs education. But FERPA is really about protecting student privacy, especially as they become adults. The best way to navigate it is to talk to your child, build trust, and (hopefully!) theyll be willing to share their information with you. Communication is key! It might even be a good idea for them to sign a waiver at the school... just in case!