Which records are specifically excluded from FERPA's definition of education records?

The choice that identifies records specifically excluded from FERPA's definition of education records is the one mentioning law enforcement records and sole possession records. Under FERPA, education records are generally defined as any records that contain information directly related to a student and that are maintained by an educational institution. However, there are specific exceptions to this definition.

Law enforcement records, for instance, are maintained by a police department serving the educational institution and are considered public safety records rather than education records. These records are not governed by FERPA because they do not relate to the academic performance or personal data of students in an educational context.

Sole possession records refer to notes made by an educator or a staff member that are kept in the creator's personal possession and are not shared with other individuals. These records do not qualify as education records under FERPA because they are not accessible to others and do not form part of the student's educational file.

This understanding of exclusions from FERPA is vital for ensuring compliance with privacy regulations regarding student information while recognizing the specific categories of records that fall outside its scope.