What is an important form of consent required for the release of student education records?

The requirement for a signed and dated document specifying the records and purpose is essential for compliance with FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This form of consent ensures that students have control over their education records and that any release of information is done transparently and for legitimate reasons.

When a student provides a signed and dated document, it clearly indicates what specific records are being authorized for release and the purpose for which they will be used. This formalized consent helps institutions maintain the confidentiality of student records while also protecting the rights of students to manage who accesses their personal information.

In contrast, informal agreements like email communications or verbal consent do not provide the necessary legal framework to protect student privacy or ensure that the consent is properly documented and verifiable. Consent solely from parents or guardians does not suffice in situations where the student is over 18 or attending a postsecondary institution, because FERPA grants students the right to control the disclosure of their own records.