FERPA allows which of the following individuals to access a student's educational records without consent?

The reason individuals with a legitimate educational interest can access a student's educational records without consent under FERPA is rooted in the law's emphasis on the importance of education. "Legitimate educational interest" refers to the need for school officials to review student records in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities, such as advising students, assessing academic progress, or addressing disciplinary issues. This access is crucial for the functioning of the educational environment and ensures that those involved in a student's education can make informed decisions regarding the student's educational needs.

In contrast, simply requesting information without a legitimate purpose does not grant access under FERPA. Additionally, while parents may have rights to access their child's educational records, this is under specific conditions, such as if the student is a dependent for tax purposes. Not all school employees have blanket access; access is specifically limited to individuals who require the information to perform their job duties effectively. This careful delineation helps to protect student privacy while ensuring that necessary educational functions can be carried out.