FERPA
FERPA
What is FERPA?
FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a law that helps protect the privacy of your school records. Understanding how it works is essential, especially as a high school student.
Parent/Guardian Rights
Parents or guardians have certain rights regarding their child's education records when a student is under 18 or not attending a postsecondary institution.
They can:
- Review their child's education records.
- Correct any inaccurate information.
- Provide written consent for the release of information.
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
- Obtain a copy of the institution's FERPA policies.
Your Rights as a Student
When you're in high school, FERPA gives you certain rights.
You can:
- You can view your own education records kept by the school.
- If you find any mistakes in your records, you have the right to request corrections.
- Giving written consent is needed before the school can share your information with others.
- You can file a complaint if you believe your rights under FERPA have been violated.
- You're entitled to know the school's FERPA policies.
Dual Credit Programs and FERPA
If you're involved in programs like Willamette Promise or other dual credit opportunities, things change a bit:
As you're considered a postsecondary student, your parents or guardians do not have direct access to your records about dual credit.
Information about your dual credit education may only be shared with you or school officials with a legitimate educational interest.
It's your choice whether to share your records with your parents.
Understanding FERPA Terms
- Directory Information: This is non-sensitive information that can be shared without violating your privacy.
- Education Records: These are the documents and information your school and educational institutions keep about you.
- Eligible Student: That's you! If you're 18 or attending a postsecondary institution, you're in charge of your own records.
- Legitimate Educational Interest: This means someone needs access to your records to do their job at the school.
- School Official: These are people like teachers, counselors, and staff who have permission to see your records.
Sharing Dual Credit Information
|
Who can the Educational Agency/Institution release student information to? |
High School |
Western Oregon or Oregon Tech |
Willamette Promise |
|
School Official with legitimate educational interest |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Student |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Parent/Guardian |
No |
No |
No |
Confirming Your Identity
The following information may be asked of you to confirm your identity for releasing information.
- Your first and last name
- Your date of birth
- The high school you attend
- Your expected graduation year
Willamette Promise Directory Information:
Specific details about you might be shared without your permission. These include:
- Your first and last name
- Your current mailing address and phone number
- Your graduation year
- The high school you attend
- If you're attending Western Oregon University (WOU) or Oregon Tech (OT)
Learn more: