Under FERPA, which type of student information requires parental consent before disclosure?

Under FERPA, educational records that are not classified as directory information require parental consent before they can be disclosed. This includes records that contain personally identifiable information about a student and can include grades, transcripts, and other academic performance indicators. The purpose of this requirement is to protect the privacy of students and ensure that their educational records are not shared without explicit permission, maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding sensitive information.

In contrast, directory information, such as a student's name, address, telephone number, and dates of attendance, can typically be disclosed without parental consent, provided the school has given proper notification to parents and students about what constitutes directory information and allows them the opportunity to opt out. Health records often fall under different regulations, such as HIPAA, and disciplinary records are generally considered part of a student's educational record but can also vary in terms of access. Thus, it is crucial to understand that FERPA specifically mandates that educational records not categorized as directory information must be protected through obtaining consent.