Which of the following best describes FPCO's authority in resolving disputes?

The Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) is primarily responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The correct choice highlights that FPCO investigates complaints related to breaches of student privacy rights and determines whether any violations of FERPA regulations have occurred.

This investigation process involves reviewing the specifics of the complaint, gathering information from relevant parties, and assessing the circumstances of the alleged infraction. If the FPCO finds that there has been a violation, they may work with the educational institution to ensure compliance and may suggest corrective actions. This investigative authority is critical for upholding student rights and maintaining the integrity of educational records.

In contrast, while the FPCO plays a role in compliance, it does not have the authority to impose fines directly on institutions or enforce legal actions against individuals, which distinguishes its role from those of law enforcement or regulatory bodies with civil penalty powers. Additionally, gathering opinions from students and parents is not a primary function of the FPCO in terms of resolving disputes, as the focus is on investigating concrete complaints rather than collecting general feedback.