What determines a "legitimate educational interest" under FERPA?

A "legitimate educational interest" under FERPA is defined by a school official's need to access a student's educational records in order to perform their professional duties. This concept ensures that access to educational records is limited to those individuals who require the information to execute their roles effectively, such as administrators, teachers, and other educational staff involved in the academic experience of the student.

This principle is pivotal in balancing the need for confidentiality with the need for school staff to have the necessary information to support students' educational development. For instance, a school official who needs to evaluate a student's progress or assist in their educational planning would clearly have a legitimate educational interest.

In contrast, other choices reflect situations that do not meet the FERPA definition. For example, a parent's request for information does not inherently constitute a legitimate educational interest unless they are acting in the capacity of a recognized school official with a professional responsibility related to the student. Similarly, while a school's interest or a teacher's interest in a student’s performance or activities may be important, it does not fulfill the specific criterion of having a professional need to access that data within the context of their responsibilities.