Are grades considered educational records under FERPA?

Grades are indeed considered educational records under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This classification is important because FERPA provides students with certain rights regarding their educational records, including the right to access them and request amendments if they believe the records are inaccurate. Educational records encompass a wide range of information, including grades, transcripts, class lists, student course schedules, and more, as long as those records are maintained by an institution or are directly related to a student.

The inclusion of grades as educational records means that institutions must handle this information with care, ensuring that it is not disclosed without proper consent from the student, except under specific circumstances outlined by FERPA. This protects students' privacy while ensuring they have control over who views their academic performance.