Do divorced or separated parents have access to student records?

Divorced or separated parents have access to their child's educational records if there isn’t a court order that specifies otherwise. This aligns with FERPA regulations, which state that both parents are entitled to access unless parental rights have been revoked through legal means. The law treats both parents equally in this regard unless a court has specifically limited access to one parent. This principle is rooted in the idea that both parents have a right to support their child's education and are entitled to important information regarding their academic progress, conduct, and other educational records.

In contrast, the other choices provide incomplete or incorrect interpretations of parental rights under FERPA. For example, stating that only the custodial parent has access neglects the rights of non-custodial parents unless legally restricted. Similarly, indicating that both parents automatically have access overlooks the necessity of reviewing any relevant court orders that might alter standard access rights. The mention of access being contingent solely on the student being a minor fails to recognize that parental access rights continue regardless of the child's age, unless different stipulations apply.