Who can be classified as a "parent" under FERPA regulations?

Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations, the term "parent" is defined broadly to include various individuals who play a parental role in a student's life. This includes not only biological parents but also legal guardians. Additionally, FERPA recognizes individuals who temporarily fulfill a parental role in the absence of a biological parent or legal guardian. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses all these categories – biological parents, legal guardians, and other individuals acting as parents. This inclusive definition ensures that various family structures and living arrangements are acknowledged, thereby supporting the rights of students and their families in accessing and managing educational records.