What type of information is considered "confidential" under FERPA?

The determination that any information that is not directory information is considered confidential under FERPA is accurate because FERPA establishes a framework for protecting the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, directory information is defined as information that is generally not harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, such as a student's name, address, email address, and phone number.

However, any information that falls outside of this category, including academic performance, disciplinary records, or personally identifiable information, is treated as confidential. This designation ensures that sensitive information regarding a student's academic journey and personal details is protected from unauthorized access and disclosure. Therefore, the key takeaway is the distinction between directory information and all other education records, where the latter is safeguarded to ensure student privacy.