How do schools inform students of their rights under FERPA?

Schools inform students of their rights under FERPA primarily through means that ensure broad access to the information, such as student handbooks, official websites, or formal notices. These methods are effective because they provide documented materials that students can refer to at any time, ensuring that the information regarding their rights is clear and accessible.

Utilizing handbooks or websites allows schools to reach all students uniformly and ensures that the rights under FERPA are communicated in a consistent manner that can be cross-referenced. This structured approach helps in fostering an understanding of privacy rights, enabling students to be aware of their ability to access their educational records and request amendments if necessary.

Other potential options like student government announcements or social media posts may lack the formal recognition and permanence needed for such critical information. Furthermore, limiting communication solely to enrollment sessions could result in gaps for students who may not be present at that time. Thus, the method of informing students through written and easily accessible formats remains the most effective and compliant approach under FERPA regulations.