What types of records are explicitly excluded from the definition of educational records?

The correct response highlights that law enforcement records are explicitly excluded from the definition of educational records under FERPA. This exclusion is in place because these records are not maintained by educational institutions for educational purposes and are typically considered part of a separate legal and safety framework. These records generally pertain to situations involving criminal activity or student safety and are governed by different regulations than those that cover educational records.

In contrast, teacher lesson plans, student essays, and course syllabi are all considered educational records because they are maintained by the school and are related to the academic performance and educational experience of students. They reflect the institution’s educational function and are protected under FERPA, which ensures privacy and confidentiality regarding student educational records. Thus, the focus on law enforcement records serves to clarify the boundaries of what constitutes an educational record.