Can schools notify parents about their child's academic performance without consent?

Schools can notify parents about their child's academic performance without consent primarily when the student is considered a dependent for tax purposes. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents have the right to access their child's education records if the child is a dependent. This means parents can receive information about academic performance without needing explicit consent from the student.

Additionally, FERPA provides specific exceptions where schools are permitted to disclose information without consent, such as in health or safety emergencies, or when the disclosure is related to a student’s enrollment at a postsecondary institution. The understanding of dependency for tax purposes is crucial because it delineates the circumstances under which a school can share performance information with parents.

The other choices misinterpret FERPA guidelines. Constant requirement for written consent or restrictions on sharing information based on the student's performance do not accurately reflect the regulations surrounding parental rights under this law.