What is "Proper Identification" as it relates to FERPA?

"Proper Identification" within the context of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) refers to the identification that students are required to provide in order to access their personal education records. This is essential because FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and ensures that only authorized individuals can obtain them. Therefore, students must demonstrate their identity to safeguard their personal information and maintain confidentiality.

The concept of proper identification aligns closely with the core principles of FERPA, which emphasize the protection of students' rights to access their records while also ensuring that institutions verify the identity of individuals seeking such access. This often includes providing student identification details or other relevant information that can confirm an individual's status as the student whose records are being requested.