What rights do parents have under FERPA regarding their children's educational records?

Under FERPA, parents have specific rights concerning their children's educational records, and one of the fundamental rights granted is the right to access and review those records. This means that parents can request to see all educational records maintained by the school, which may include report cards, transcripts, disciplinary records, and other related documents. This access is vital for parents to be involved in their child's education and ensure that the information is accurate and fair.

This right to access is rooted in the principle that parents should be able to monitor and support their child’s educational journey. FERPA establishes that schools must provide parents with a way to request access to their child's records within a reasonable time frame, allowing them to engage actively in their child's schooling and address any concerns that might arise from the information documented in those records.