Parent Rights
Understanding how FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects student education records is essential for students, parents, and professionals navigating college and trade school systems. This section offers guidance on parent rights, student privacy, and best practices for accessing or safeguarding educational information.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Once a student turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution (college or trade school), rights transfer from the parent to the student.
Parent Rights Under FERPA
Parents have limited rights once their student reaches 18 or enters college/trade school. However, they can access records with the student’s written consent or in specific circumstances (e.g., tax dependency status).
How to Grant Access
Colleges and trade schools provide FERPA release forms that students can sign to allow parents access to grades, billing, or disciplinary records. Check with your institution’s registrar or student records office.
Professional Tools & Resources
Quick Tips
Students must provide written consent for parents to access college or trade school records under FERPA.
Parents can access records without consent only if the student is a tax-dependent (check institutional policy).
Encourage families to complete a FERPA release form early to avoid delays.
Schools must explain FERPA rights annually and review your school’s policy on parent access.