What is a primary function of FERPA?

The primary function of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is to protect the privacy of students' education records. This federal law gives parents certain protections regarding their children's education records and grants students, once they reach the age of 18 or attend a post-secondary institution, the right to control the disclosure of their personal information. Schools that receive federal funding must comply with FERPA, which helps ensure that student information is kept confidential and can only be disclosed with the consent of the student or their parents, except in certain specific circumstances. This protection is crucial in maintaining students' privacy, fostering trust between students and educational institutions, and promoting responsible handling of sensitive information.