What constitutes "education records" under FERPA?

The definition of "education records" under FERPA encompasses those records that are directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational institution. This includes a wide range of documents such as transcripts, grades, schedules, and other information that the school keeps regarding the student's educational experience. The scope of education records is broad and designed to protect the privacy of the students by controlling who has access to this information.

The focus on records that are maintained by the institution emphasizes the responsibility of educational entities to manage and safeguard student data. This control is key, as it ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive educational information, thus upholding the privacy rights established by FERPA. Understanding what constitutes education records helps in recognizing the various types of information that are protected under this legislation and emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality in student education records.