As the school year begins, you must revisit your Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) annual notification. FERPA requires K-12 schools to inform parents and eligible students (those 18 or older) of their rights under the law. Schools must ensure this information is readily available and accessible—whether through a website, direct communication, or other methods that guarantee visibility. Here’s a quick reminder of what’s needed and how IKON EduTech Group can help you stay compliant.
Annual Notification Requirements
FERPA mandates that schools provide annual notifications to parents and eligible students. Posting this notice on your website is a good start, but it’s not enough by itself. Schools must also inform parents and students where they can find the notice. This can be accomplished via email, newsletters, or other regular communication methods. Additionally, don’t forget to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities and those whose primary language isn’t English.
Your FERPA notice must inform parents and eligible students about their rights to:
- Inspect and review their child’s educational records.
- Request amendments to records they believe are inaccurate.
- Control the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII).
- File complaints with the U.S. Department of Education regarding non-compliance.
It’s important that schools respond to requests for record access within 45 days. Even if the records are held by a third-party service provider, they are still the school’s responsibility during this period.
Directory Information Notice
Many schools choose to combine their FERPA and Directory Information Notices. If you go this route, you must include:
- A list of PII that is designated as directory information (such as student name, grade level, etc.).
- A clear opt-out process for parents and students who do not want their information included.
- Clear instructions on how to submit opt-out requests, including deadlines that align with the school year.
Schools should avoid ambiguous timelines, such as allowing parents to opt out “within thirty days of this notice.” Instead, offer a specific deadline—such as thirty days after the start of the school year—to ensure clarity and compliance.
How IKON EduTech Group Can Help
Ensuring your annual FERPA notifications and data compliance efforts meet the latest legal standards can be a challenge. IKON EduTech Group specializes in helping K-12 schools manage their data privacy and compliance efforts. From reviewing your notification processes to implementing technology that keeps student data safe, we’re here to provide the support you need.
Reach out to IKON EduTech Group today to discuss how we can help your school navigate the complexities of FERPA compliance and ensure your students’ data remains secure.
Additional Resources
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of Education FERPA Overview | Comprehensive overview of FERPA and compliance guidelines for educational agencies. | FERPA General Information |
| Model Notification of Rights under FERPA | Official model notification to help schools craft their FERPA notices. | Model FERPA Notification |
| FERPA and Directory Information Guidance | Detailed guide on handling directory information and opt-out processes under FERPA. | FERPA and Directory Information |
| U.S. Department of Education – FAQs on FERPA | Frequently asked questions addressing common concerns regarding FERPA and student privacy. | FERPA FAQs |
| Protecting Student Privacy – FERPA Compliance | A hub of resources provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office. | Student Privacy Resources |