What does privacy refer to in the context of FERPA?

In the context of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), privacy primarily refers to an individual's control over access to their personal information, particularly educational records. FERPA grants parents and eligible students certain rights regarding their educational information, including the right to access these records and the right to request that the school amend information they believe is inaccurate. This means that privacy is fundamentally about who can view, access, and manage an individual's educational records, ensuring that personal information is not disclosed without appropriate consent. The regulation emphasizes the importance of protecting students' privacy in educational settings, giving them ownership over their own data and the ability to make decisions about who can access it. This aspect of FERPA is critical in maintaining trust in educational institutions and safeguarding sensitive information.