What should a school do if a student wants to access their educational records under FERPA?

Under FERPA, a school must provide access to a student's educational records within a reasonable timeframe when requested by the student. This is a key aspect of FERPA, which grants students and eligible parents the right to inspect and review the student’s education records. The law stipulates that schools must respond to requests for access without unnecessary delay, and typically, they are required to do so within 45 days of receiving a request. This timeframe allows schools to gather the necessary documentation while ensuring students can exercise their rights regarding their educational information.

Providing access without any conditions could undermine the school's responsibility to confirm the identity of the requester and ensure that the access complies with FERPA guidelines. Refusing access entirely would violate the rights granted to students under FERPA, and restricting access only to administrative personnel would not align with the student's right to review their records. Therefore, providing access in a timely and reasonable manner is the correct response and ensures compliance with federal regulations.