Who qualifies as an education official regarding student records?

The qualification of an education official in the context of student records revolves around the concept of "legitimate educational interest." This term refers to the necessity for school officials to access student records in order to perform their specific job duties that pertain to the education and welfare of students. Employees with a legitimate educational interest may include teachers, counselors, administrators, and other staff members whose roles require them to review educational records to support students or fulfill their responsibilities.

This designation is important under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student education records while also ensuring that those who need access to these records for educational purposes can do so. This not only aligns with legal requirements but also supports the educational environment by allowing necessary collaboration among staff who work directly with students.

The other options do not adequately define the criteria for being considered an education official under FERPA. Simply working for the school does not automatically grant access to student records, and restricting this classification to administrative staff overlooks the roles of teachers and other support staff who are also integral to student education. Additionally, while parents may have access to their child's educational records, they do not qualify as education officials.