In what situation can a school act without written consent regarding a student's information?

A school can act without written consent regarding a student's information in cases of emergency where there is a risk of harm. This provision is critical because it allows educational institutions to swiftly respond to situations that may endanger the health or safety of a student or others. In emergencies, timely sharing of information can be essential for ensuring proper care and intervention, which aligns with the principles of both FERPA and general safety protocols. The law recognizes that in life-threatening or immediate risk scenarios, the need for prompt action supersedes the requirement for consent.

In contrast, the other scenarios involve routine processes or non-emergency situations where parental consent is generally required. For instance, sharing outdated information doesn't qualify as an emergency response; academic evaluations typically involve assessing students and communicating findings, which necessitates consent; and transferring records to another school usually requires written consent to comply with FERPA regulations. Thus, the situation concerning emergencies is unique and justified in bypassing the usual consent requirement.