How often does FERPA have to notify parents?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law in the United States that protects the privacy of student education records. One of the key questions that parents often have regarding FERPA is how often schools are required to notify them about their child’s educational records. Understanding the frequency of these notifications is crucial for parents to ensure their child’s privacy and to stay informed about their academic progress.
Under FERPA, schools are required to notify parents of certain events and changes in their child’s education records. The frequency of these notifications can vary depending on the nature of the event or change. Here are some common scenarios and the corresponding notification requirements:
1. Initial Notification: When a student enrolls in a school, the school must notify the parent of the student’s rights under FERPA. This initial notification is typically provided in the form of an informational brochure or a letter to the parent.
2. Unauthorized Access: If a school determines that an education record has been accessed by an unauthorized person, the school must notify the parent within a reasonable time frame, usually within 45 days of discovering the unauthorized access.
3. Changes to Education Records: If there is a change in a student’s education records, such as a change in grades or a disciplinary action, the school is not required to notify the parent immediately. However, if the change significantly impacts the student’s academic or disciplinary status, the school may choose to notify the parent.
4. Annual Notification: Schools are required to provide an annual notification to parents about their rights under FERPA. This notification typically includes information about the types of education records that are maintained, the procedures for requesting access to these records, and the procedures for challenging the accuracy of the records.
It is important to note that FERPA does not require schools to notify parents about every minor change in a student’s education records. The frequency of notifications is determined by the nature and significance of the event or change. Additionally, schools may have their own policies and procedures that may differ from the requirements of FERPA.
Parents should actively communicate with their child’s school to stay informed about their rights under FERPA and to understand the school’s notification practices. By staying proactive and informed, parents can ensure that their child’s privacy is protected and that they are well-informed about their child’s academic progress.
