What is required for a student to allow parents access to their educational records?

To grant parents access to a student's educational records, written consent from the student is required. This requirement stems from FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), which ensures the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, once a student turns 18 years old or attends a postsecondary institution, they are considered an adult regarding their educational records. Consequently, parental access is no longer automatic.

Written consent is vital as it serves as documented proof of the student's permission, outlining to the educational institution that the parents are authorized to access specific records. This ensures that student privacy is respected and maintained, while also providing a clear process for permission that can be referenced later.

While it might seem practical for a verbal agreement to suffice, it lacks the necessary formality and documentation needed to comply with FERPA regulations. Similarly, while students being dependents or parents needing to apply for access may seem like viable methods, they do not align with the requirement for explicit written consent as specified by law.