Which federal law provides guidelines on the privacy of educational records?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the federal law that specifically addresses the privacy of educational records. Enacted in 1974, FERPA protects the confidentiality of student education records and gives parents certain rights regarding those records. These rights include the ability to inspect and review the records, request amendments to records they believe to be inaccurate, and control the disclosure of personally identifiable information.

FERPA ensures that educational institutions maintain the privacy of students’ educational information and sets specific guidelines for the handling and sharing of those records. It applies to all schools that receive federal funding, emphasizing the importance of protecting student data and privacy.

Other federal laws mentioned do not focus explicitly on the privacy of educational records. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is primarily concerned with the education of students with disabilities, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) focuses on academic progress and accountability in education systems, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public life but does not specifically deal with educational records’ privacy.