What is the purpose of FERPA?

The purpose of FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is to protect the privacy of student education records. This federal law gives students certain rights regarding their personal educational information, such as the right to access their records and request corrections if they believe there are inaccuracies. It also restricts the disclosure of personally identifiable information from student records without consent, ensuring that students' sensitive data is safeguarded against unauthorized access. This focus on privacy is fundamental to maintaining trust between educational institutions and their students, fostering an environment where students can pursue their education without undue concern about the exposure of their personal information. The other options, while related to the educational process, do not address the primary aim of FERPA, which is centered on protecting student privacy.