What action can a parent take if they believe their child’s records have been improperly disclosed under FERPA?

When a parent believes that their child's education records have been improperly disclosed under FERPA, the correct course of action is to request an investigation through the school. This step allows the school or educational institution to review the situation and take appropriate actions to address any violations. FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, provides parents with specific rights regarding the privacy of their children's educational records, and it's designed to facilitate resolution at the institutional level.

Requesting an investigation gives the educational institution the opportunity to clarify what occurred, potentially resolve the issue internally, and establish whether a breach of confidentiality took place. This process is in line with FERPA's intent to ensure that educational records are handled properly while providing a mechanism for complaints and remediation.

Other options present actions that are not aligned with the procedural steps defined under FERPA. Ignoring the situation would deny the parent the opportunity to address the potential violation. Filing a lawsuit immediately is premature, as the parent should first utilize the internal mechanisms available through the school. Notifying the media does not address the issue directly and could lead to further complications without resolving the violation at the source. Overall, initiating an investigation allows for a thorough and appropriate review of the matter while respecting the rights provided under FERPA.