What is meant by "education records" under FERPA?

The correct understanding of "education records" under FERPA is that it encompasses all records related to a student that are maintained by the educational institution. This broad definition includes a wide variety of documents such as grades, transcripts, disciplinary records, enrollment information, and any other documents that contain personally identifiable information about the student. The key aspect of education records is that they are maintained by the institution and are directly related to a student.

This comprehensive interpretation allows for various types of records to be covered under FERPA, emphasizing the importance of protecting the privacy of students' educational information. By ensuring that a wide array of records is included, FERPA provides robust regulations to safeguard students' rights, ensuring that personal academic information is kept confidential.

Other options provided narrow the definition, which does not capture the full scope mandated by FERPA, focusing only on specific types of records rather than the entirety of what constitutes a student's education records. This comprehensive definition is essential for understanding the protections FERPA offers to students and the responsibilities of educational institutions.