What does FERPA do?

• A. It sets classroom curriculum standards.
• B. It protects educational records and controls access to student information.
• C. It governs school funding formulas.
• D. It mandates standardized testing for all students.

Answer: (B)

FERPA is a federal privacy law for student records. It protects the privacy of education records and controls who can access that information. Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review records, request amendments if something is wrong, and consent before most disclosures of those records. Schools may disclose directory information unless the family opts out, and records can be shared with school officials who have a legitimate educational interest. This set of rules ensures that personal student data isn’t shared inappropriately and that families know their rights regarding their child’s information.

This isn’t about setting classroom curriculum, funding formulas, or mandating standardized tests, which is why those options don’t fit FERPA’s purpose.