What does 'legitimate educational interest' refer to under FERPA?

'Legitimate educational interest' under FERPA refers specifically to the need for school officials to access educational records to fulfill their professional responsibilities related to the education or welfare of students. This includes purposes such as assessing students' academic performance, developing educational programs, or managing education-related functions. By defining 'legitimate educational interest' in this way, FERPA ensures that only those who require access to student information for their roles within the educational institution can obtain it, thus protecting the privacy of students.

The other options do not align with the intended use of educational records under FERPA. Accessing records for personal use does not constitute a legitimate educational interest, as it lacks a professional necessity. Similarly, providing mental health services involves a different regulatory framework, primarily guided by HIPAA when it comes to health records, rather than educational records under FERPA. Lastly, accessing records simply due to familial ties does not grant automatic permissions under FERPA, as access must be tied to a professional role or function within the educational context.