Under FERPA, what does it mean for parents to effectively access their child's records?

Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), parents have the right to inspect and review their child's educational records, provided that no school policies or circumstances restrict that access. This means that as long as the school does not have specific policies in place that limit parental access to these records, parents can effectively request to see their child's academic records, report cards, disciplinary records, and other documents. This access is crucial for parents to stay informed about their child's education and well-being.

The other options do not accurately reflect the rights granted under FERPA. For instance, regularly visiting the school is not a requirement for accessing records; rather, it is the right to review the records that matters. Submitting a formal request to a government agency is also not necessary, as FERPA allows for direct access through the educational institution. Additionally, while parents typically do not need student consent to review their child's records, the phrase in the correct option emphasizes that the access is contingent on school policies, which adds a level of understanding regarding the conditions under which parents can access these records.