What is the significance of "prior written consent" under FERPA?

The significance of "prior written consent" under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) lies in its requirement to disclose non-directory information. Non-directory information includes any personally identifiable information in a student's education record that is not considered public. This information cannot be disclosed without the student's or parent's explicit consent. Prior written consent ensures that students have control over who accesses their sensitive educational records, thereby protecting their privacy rights. This mechanism empowers students and their families by giving them the choice regarding the sharing of their personal information.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the necessity and implications of prior written consent. While notifying students of their rights is important under FERPA, it does not encompass the concept of prior written consent itself. Moreover, schools are not granted the freedom to share any educational records without consent; they must follow specific guidelines regarding what information can be shared and when. Lastly, prior written consent is a requirement that applies broadly to various types of educational records, not solely to those related to special education.