What rights are granted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to students and their parents?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) grants students and their parents specific rights regarding the handling of education records. Among those rights are the ability to review educational records, request corrections of inaccurate or misleading information, and the opportunity to contest certain statements contained in those records.

This means that if a student or their parents believe that information in the student's educational record is inaccurate, they have the right to request that the school amend the record. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested, they must provide an opportunity for a formal hearing, enabling parents or students to present their case. This process ensures that individuals have a say in their educational records and fosters transparency and accountability within educational institutions.

The other choices do not capture the full scope of rights provided under FERPA. While reviewing grades is part of educational records, the act encompasses more than just grading issues. Teacher evaluations are typically protected under privacy laws and are not automatically accessible to parents or students. Similarly, unrestricted access to all school records does not align with FERPA, as some records are protected from disclosure to safeguard privacy rights.