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How to Get Your Child's School Records (and Why You Might Want to)

Accessing your child’s school records is your right as a parent. But tracking them down isn’t always easy. Here’s what you need to know (and when it might come in handy).

“Educational records” include anything and everything from report cards to state test score reports to evaluation summaries and discipline records. There are lots of reasons you might want to take a look at these documents. For one thing, they can help you understand how your child is doing in school, and can be a starting point for conversations with their teacher. Sudden slips in grades or test scores can indicate a larger problem, so keeping track of your child’s progress is always a good idea.

There are also specific circumstances when you’ll want your child’s records in hand: for example, if you’re starting the process of getting an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for your child, or if they’re switching schools. Just like their medical records, it’s a good idea to know how to access their educational records any time you need or want them.

Here’s what parents need to know about accessing your child’s school records:

• Federal laws  protect your right to review your kid’s records . This includes information about your child’s academic progress (like report cards or test scores), as well information about how your child has been evaluated in school, their class placement, and their teacher’s qualifications. You also have the right to review all emails related to your child’s education (although these might not be included in their hard copy file at school). In general, you have the right to review any information related to your child’s education.
• You also have the right to request an explanation of these records . If you’re not sure what you’re looking at (and let’s be honest, school records aren’t the most user-friendly), you can ask the school to provide an interpretation. Your child’s teacher should be your first stop in requesting this assistance. If you don’t get the support you need from them, reach out to your school’s assistant principal or principal.
• Schools must respond to your records request within a reasonable period of time (and no longer than 45 days) . If you have an upcoming meeting (for example, regarding your child’s IEP), you have the right to access your child’s records in advance of that meeting.
• Y ou have the right to all records and explanations in your preferred language . Your child’s school must provide translated versions of all “vital” educational records, including report cards, test scores and evaluation reports. They also must provide a language interpreter for any related discussions or meetings. By law, the school cannot ask your child (or any family member) to serve as your translator.
• School can charge you for copies of your child’s records . But there are limits. They cannot charge you if those fees will prevent you from reviewing your child’s records, and they cannot charge you for searching and producing the records in the first place. (So for example, if you need three copies of your child’s transcript, school might charge you a small fee for the additional copies. But they should not be charging you for providing the original transcript for your review.) If your school is refusing to share your child’s records until you pay a fee, remind them that as a parent, it is your legal right to review their child’s school records, regardless of your ability to pay.

So how do you actually get these records?

• Start by checking your school’s online portal . If your child’s school uses an online tool to store their grades and test scores, that’s a good place to start. Access to the login page should be available on your school district’s website. If you have trouble logging in or can’t find your password, contact your school’s family liaison for assistance (or the school office).
• If your child’s school doesn’t use an online portal, find out if you need to come to school in-person to make your request . Your school office will be able to answer this question. In some states, like Louisiana, parents are legally not required to make their student record requests in person. But since this varies by state, it’s a good idea to confirm with your child’s school.
• Next, make your request in writing to your child’s teacher and principal . Whether you are going to school in-person or making your request virtually, you’ll need to write a short letter explaining which records you would like to review. Here’s some sample language that you could use (adjust for your family and situation):

Dear [Principal’s name] and [Teacher’s name],

I am writing to request my child, [NAME’s], report cards and test reports from this year. I would also like to see the outcomes of any evaluations she has received (for example, her reading level). I would like to review her progress and understand how we can support her better at home.

Please send these records home with [CHILD] or mail them to me at: [ADDRESS] in advance of my parent-teacher conference on [X DATE].

• If your written request is ignored, be persistent . Along with a second written request (don’t forget to reference the date of your original request, too), share a resource about your legal right to viewing your child’s records. ( Here’s a good one .) Keep track of all your correspondence with school, including how many requests you have made. If your child’s teacher and principal aren’t willing or able to help, you can escalate your request to the district office by emailing a staff member in your district’s academic or student services department. (Your school district’s website will have contact information for different departments.) If your district has an office responsible for family engagement, that could also be a useful place to seek support. Finally, if your child’s school continues to refuse or ignore your records request, you can file an official complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. ( Here’s a video that explains that process .)
• One last thing to note: Your child’s educational records are confidential, and they cannot be shared with anyone outside the school without your permission . The law protecting your child’s privacy in school is called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act , also known as FERPA. You can give someone else permission to speak to the school about your child (for example, your Navigator or another educational advocate you’re working with). To do that, you’ll need to sign a FERPA waiver to give that person permission to view your child’s records.

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How and why to obtain your child’s school records

by: Deidre Hayden | Updated: December 13, 2023

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As a parent of a child with learning disabilities, you have a special interest in knowing what is in your child’s school records. This is true because of the significant information these records offer you about your child and also because of the emphasis schools place on these records when making educational decisions. If any information in your child’s records is inaccurate, biased, incomplete, or inconsistent, this material may well result in inaccurate decisions regarding your child’s right to special education services. For these reasons you must know how to obtain, interpret, and correct these records and how to use them effectively in school meetings. This article will give you an overview of your rights to your child’s records.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Schools are required by federal and state laws to maintain certain records and to make these records available to you upon request. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) establish the minimum requirements school systems must meet in maintaining, protecting, and providing access to students’ school records. State laws will sometimes go beyond these minimum requirements and provide parents with additional rights to review, modify, or seek other changes in these records. Be sure to obtain a copy of your own state’s and school district’s school records laws and procedures by contacting your school district’s director of special education.

Obtaining your child’s records from the local school

Getting copies of your child’s school records should be fairly easy. While federal law does not specifically require school systems to provide parents with copies of these records, in practice most school systems do so upon request.

Types of files

Begin by asking the school principal about the location of your child’s various files (they might also be called “records” or “folders”). These will include:

• Cumulative file. The principal will have your child’s cumulative file, which you will want to see and copy. The cumulative file will contain a profile card with your child’s identification data, plus academic information, such as their report cards, attendance , standardized test results , and teacher reports.
• Confidential file. Also accessible to parents, the confidential file may be kept at your child’s school, or in a central administrative office where the special education program offices are located. The file is called confidential because access to the information is limited to certain individuals. Your child’s confidential record includes all of the reports written as a result of the school’s evaluation; reports of independent evaluators, if any; medical records that you have had released; summary reports of evaluation team and eligibility committee meetings; your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP); and, often, correspondence between you and school personnel.
• Compliance file (some schools). Some school systems keep the reports of eligibility meetings, correspondence between the parents and school officials, and other similar documents in a separate compliance file. The contents of the compliance file demonstrate that the school system has met the timelines, notification, and consent regulations required by IDEA.
• Discipline file (some schools). Some schools may also maintain a separate file regarding discipline issues involving long-term suspension or expulsion. Research from the University of Oregon suggests info in this file often predicts future behavior. For example, boys disciplined for fighting more than twice in sixth grade and girls referred even once for harassment, are less likely to graduate from high school.

A good bit of detective work is sometimes required to understand your school system’s individual filing system!

Getting copies of records

School districts usually require parents to sign a “release of information” form before they will provide copies of schools records. You can often obtain that form through your child’s school, or by simply writing a letter to the school principal or special education director, requesting a copy of school records. In many school districts, parents can go to the district’s special education offices and fill out a form to request their children’s records.

School districts usually provide the first copy of records for free. If they do charge a fee, the fee can be only for the cost of reproducing and mailing the records, not for personnel time or other costs. Again, check your local policies and procedures for your district’s process.

Records open to parents

Once you have gained access to your child’s records, does this mean you can see any and all records pertaining to your child? Which records is the school system legally required to show you? Under FERPA, schools must show parents all records, files, documents, and other materials that are maintained by the school system and contain information relating to their children. This includes all records referring to your child in any personally identifiable manner – that is, records containing your child’s name, Social Security number, student ID number, or other data making them traceable to her.

The following are excluded from the records schools must show you:

• Notes of teachers, counselors, and/or school administrators, made for their personal use and shown to nobody else (except a substitute teacher)
• Personnel records of school employees

Examining and correcting your child’s records

Even when you have your child’s records in your hands, you may wonder what you’ve got. The language of the educators, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, and other school professionals is often difficult to understand. If this is the case for you, all you need to do is ask someone to help you. The law requires school personnel to explain the records to you when you do not understand them. Or you may take a friend or a knowledgeable professional with you to help review the records and explain confusing parts. When you do this, however, you will be asked to sign a form giving that person permission to see your child’s records.

As you review the records, you may find places where information given about your child or family conflicts with your own assessments. If left unchallenged, this material could lead to decisions about your child’s educational program that are not in his or her best interest. To prevent this from happening, you can follow two paths.

• First, you can informally ask the principal or the director of special education to delete the material, giving your reasons for the request. Often school officials will honor the request and no problem arises.
• You may also write down your objections to a particular record and have that attached to the record.

If you strongly believe the report does not belong in your child’s record, and the schools refuse to remove the requested material, you have a right to a formal records hearing. Your state and local school district policies will tell you how to follow the more formal process for amending your child’s records.

Controlling who sees your child’s records

FERPA and IDEA prohibit schools from disclosing your child’s records to anyone without your written consent. The only exceptions are:

• School officials, including teachers, in your child’s district with a legitimate educational interest as defined in the school procedures
• School officials in the school district to which your child intends to transfer. (Before the records are sent, however, you will want to review them and challenge their content, if necessary.)
• Certain state and national education agencies, if necessary, for enforcing federal laws.
• Anyone to whom a state statute requires the school to report information.
• Accrediting and research organizations helping the school, provided they guarantee confidentiality.
• Student financial aid officials.
• >People who have court orders, provided the school makes reasonable efforts to notify the parent or student before releasing the records.
• Appropriate people in health and safety emergencies such as doctors, nurses, and fire marshals.
• Law enforcement and judicial authorities in certain cases. For example, if there’s a formal complaint of sexual harassment at a school , the administration has to make information about the students involved available to all “relevant parties.”

With the exception of the people listed above, schools must have your permission to release material from your child’s records to anyone other than yourself. When requesting release of the records, the school must tell you which records are involved, why they have been requested, and who will receive them. Likewise, if you want someone outside the school system to see your child’s records, you will be asked to sign a release granting such permission. All of these rules have been instituted to protect your privacy and that of your child.

When your child reaches 18 or goes to post-secondary school

When your child reaches the age of 18 or enters a post-secondary educational institution such as a vocational-technical school, a college, a university, or trade school, most rights to records previously available to you are transferred to your child. The only parts of the record your child will not have the right to see are your financial records and any statements or confidential recommendations your child has waived the right to see. This means if you wish to review the school records of a son or daughter who is 18 or who is attending post-secondary school, she must first sign a waiver permitting you to do so.

IDEA gives parents of children with disabilities, including learning disabilities, special consideration when transferring record rights. The law grants states the authority to develop individual policies which take into account the type and severity of the child’s disability and the child’s age when transferring record rights from parents to their children. Thus, if your child with disabilities has reached age 18 or is about to reach 18 and is in secondary school, you should find out, by asking the director of special education in your school district, if your state has a policy that allows you continued access to your child’s records. If not, you and school personnel may want to develop a waiver form which your child can sign allowing you continued rights to review, to control access to, and to seek changes in those records.

When you move

If you should move, your child’s school records will, of course, move with you. To be certain your child’s new school receives only relevant and current records, you will want to examine the entire contents of the folder and identify specifically the material you want forwarded. Most school systems will honor your request and send only the information you want released. However, you should note that many states require schools to transfer records about any disciplinary violation; you do not have the option of excluding that information.

Should the school wish to send material you want withheld, you can initiate a records hearing procedure to prohibit them from doing so. In any case, before you move, always review your child’s school folder. You will want to eliminate the irrelevant, inaccurate, and dated material or attach your critique to those records you believe should have been removed but were not.

Because of the importance of your child’s records in determining special education services, you should review and correct them annually, whether or not you move. You should also be certain you have a duplicate copy of all the material in the official files. Then, if the records are lost, you will have copies to replace them.

A final note: thick records

Classroom teachers have been heard to comment, “When I see a thick set of records for a child new to my class, I know trouble is coming.” This is another reason for your diligence in reviewing your child’s records periodically. Many reports, especially those written several years previously, give little if any information that will be useful in current decisions about your child. A careful weeding out of irrelevant documents can help to avoid the thick record syndrome.

More good information to have: how to analyze and update/revise your child’s records .

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Requesting Your Child’s Education Records

Education records refer to any information about a current or former student that has been officially documented by a school administration — whether that’s through handwriting, print, digital filing, video and/or audio recordings, and so on. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives a parent the right to access their child’s educational records and the right to use those records to file a complaint with the Department of Education if needed (but note that FERPA typically only protects the privacy of public school records). Moreover, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) also includes protections that apply to the education records of special education students.

Here, special education attorney Grace Clark and special education advocate Dr. Sarah Pelangka give us the lowdown on what to do if you need to request these records for your child.

First, you'll need to figure out what exactly you're looking for.

What is included in school records?

• Transcripts of your child’s grades, test scores, special education records (including those for any services provided to your child under IDEA), completed courses, academic specializations, and extracurricular activities.
• Official letters regarding your child’s status in school.
• Awards your child won in school and any diplomas they earned.
• Disciplinary records that may show issues relating to behavior or academics.
• Medical and health records (including immunization records) either provided by school nurses and/or school medical professionals, or those collected by the administration after you (the parent) provided them.
• Documentation of attendance and schools attended.

What is *not* included in education records?

• School records do not include more informal notes that may have been kept by a school employee for their own personal use or memory. For example, a teacher’s daily in-class attendance notes would not be included, whereas an official attendance record submitted to the administration would.
• However, you can request that your child’s work samples are provided with their records, at least to the extent that these assignments are already “kept and maintained by the educational agency.”
• A parent could argue that any work sample brought by a teacher to an IEP meeting to demonstrate your child’s performance should then be maintained in their student file, and available upon request.
• At the same time, it would be unrealistic for a school to save and file every work sample ever made by every student.

How long does it take to request school records?

• While schools are not required to keep education records for any set period of time under federal law, California’s state laws differ. Here, school districts must keep educational records for three years after they stop being “useful” — which typically means three years after your child has left the district.
• Additionally, IDEA requires that special education students (or their parents) must be able to view their educational records “without unnecessary delay“ before IEP meetings, due process, or resolution sessions.
• You will likely be emailed a digital copy of your child’s records upon request very quickly.

Who can request a student's records?

• Only a parent or guardian has the right under FERPA to request and review a student's educational records.
• Individuals over the age of 18 or those who are enrolled in a postsecondary institution have the right to view their own education records.
• If you do not live in commuting distance from your child’s school and you can’t travel to the campus to view the records in person, California law requires the school to provide a copy. (The school may charge a fee for this service unless it would prevent the parent or student from accessing the records.)
• Parents of students covered by IDEA, as well as those students themselves, do not need to provide consent when asking someone else to view their education records. A representative of the parent or student can review the educational records without written consent from that parent or student.

How do you request school records?

• Contact the school to ask what is needed to see your child’s records — a request form may have to be completed. (Keep a copy of the form or ask for a copy once you’ve completed it, and make sure the form has been dated so that the school adheres to the required timeline.)
• It’s a good idea to include a list of the documents you want (assessment reports/plans, progress reports , report cards, IEP documentation, medical records, etc.).
• You can share the letter with your child’s principal, special education teacher, school psychologist, and any other employee involved in your child’s education.
• Once you’ve received the records, you can make copies for your own documentation and personal use (for example, you may want to take notes on them).

If you encounter any obstacles or confusion during this process, contact the school district and ask for the office of the director of special education. They’ll be able to further explain relevant laws and procedures around requesting your child’s educational records.

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Reviewed by Undivided Editorial Team

Contributors Grace Clark , Special education attorney Dr. Sarah Pelangka , Special Education Advocate, BCBA-D, and owner of KnowIEPs

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Requesting Your Child’s Records

From our series of model letters… because sometimes you need to communicate with the school about your child’s education.

Current as of October 2021 En español | In Spanish

There are times when you, as a parent, may want to communicate in writing with your child’s school about some problem or concern with your child’s education or well-being. This page presents a model letter or email you might write the school to request your child’s educational records.

• Discussion (Keep scrolling)

General letter-writing tips

• Model letter

__________________________

The IDEA (the nation’s special education law) gives you the right to look at all of your child’s education records. This includes records about:

• his or her identification as a child with a disability,
• evaluation,
• educational placement, and
• special education program.

You also have the right to ask the school to explain and interpret the records for you. You may ask the school to give you a copy of your child’s records. They may charge you a reasonable fee for making a copy (but not for retrieving the records). More details are available online at: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/records/

Back to top

What might be some reasons to request copies of my child’s school records?

School records contain valuable information about your child’s strengths and areas of need. These records can provide a formal way of communicating between the professionals at your child’s school, you, and other professionals who may work with your child. Here are some reasons you might have for requesting a copy of your child’s records:

Reviewing records lets you be sure that the records are correct and contain all necessary information.

When your family is moving to a new school district, records may need to be sent.

When you’re taking your child for an independent evaluation, copies of past records may be useful.

The records may help the staff at other programs your child attends (like camp, tutors, or in-hospital schools) design their activities.

Postsecondary programs may need to see copies of your child’s records.

It’s a good idea to have a copy for your home files, especially if your child is finishing school.

Back to top ___________________

When writing any business letter, it is important to keep it short and to the point. First, start by asking yourself the following questions and state the answers in your letter:

•  Why am I writing?
• What are my specific concerns?
• What are my questions?
• What would I like the person to do about this situation?
• What sort of response do I want: a letter, a meeting, a phone call, or something else?

Each letter you write should include the following basic information:

• Put the date on your letter.
• Give your child’s full name and the name of your child’s main teacher or current class placement.
• Say what you want, rather than what you don’t want. Keep it simple.
• Give your address and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.
• Always end your letter with a “thank you.”

What are some other tips to keep in mind?

You want to make a good impression so that the person reading your letter will understand your request and say “yes.” Remember, this person may not know you, your child, or your child’s situation. Keep the tone of your letter pleasant and businesslike. Give the facts without letting anger, frustration, blame, or other negative emotions creep in. Some letter-writing tips include:

• After you write your first draft, put the letter aside for a day or two. Then look at it again and revise it with fresh eyes.
• Read your letter as though you are the person receiving it. Is your request clear? Have you included the important facts? Does your letter ramble on and on? Is it likely to offend, or is the tone businesslike?
• Have someone else read your letter for you. Is your reason for writing clear? Can the reader tell what you are asking for? Would the reader say “yes” if he or she received this letter? Can your letter be improved?
• Use spell check and grammar check on the computer. Or ask someone reliable to edit your letter before you send it.
• Keep a copy for your records.

Back to top _________________________

Model Letter

Today’s Date (include month, day, and year)

Your Name Street Address City, State, Zip Code Daytime telephone number

Name of the Person to whom You’re Writing Title Street Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear (person’s name),

I am writing to schedule a time to come and review all of my child’s records. My son/daughter, (child’s name), is in the (___) grade at (name of school), in (teacher’s name) class. I will also need copies of some or all of these records.

Please let me know where and when I can come in to see the records. I need these records by (date). You can reach me during the day at (give your phone number).

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your assistance.

**Highly Rated Resource!   This resource was reviewed by 3-member panels of Parent Center staff working independently from one another to rate the quality, relevance, and usefulness of CPIR resources. This resource was found to be of “High Quality, High Relevance, High Usefulness” to Parent Centers. ________________________________________

Would you like to read another letter?

Discussing a problem https://www.parentcenterhub.org/problem/

Requesting a copy of your child’s records (you’re already here)

Requesting an evaluation for special education services https://www.parentcenterhub.org/evaluation-2/

Requesting an independent evaluation https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iee-3/

Requesting a meeting to review your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-2/

Requesting a change in your child’s placement https://www.parentcenterhub.org/placement-2/

Informing the school that you intend to place your child in a private school at public expense https://www.parentcenterhub.org/private/

Requesting prior written notice https://www.parentcenterhub.org/notice/

Requesting Mediation to resolve a conflict https://www.parentcenterhub.org/mediation-2/

Requesting a due process hearing to resolve a conflict https://www.parentcenterhub.org/hearing/

Filing a complaint with the State to resolve a conflict https://www.parentcenterhub.org/statecomplaint-2/

Equity in Civic Technology , Privacy & Data

What Is an Education Record? That is the Question that the Department of Education Should Answer

March 16, 2022 / Cody Venzke

As technology’s role in education has grown rapidly, confusion has also grown over how the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects modern digital records like email, video surveillance, and datasets used to power algorithmic systems. FERPA protects student privacy at the federal level for “personally identifiable information from [students’] education records.” Although the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has historically interpreted “education records” broadly, the evolution of education technology and outdated language from a twenty-year old Supreme Court case have caused some officials to interpret the term too narrowly, excluding modern digital records from FERPA’s protections. ED should address the confusion and clarify FERPA’s language to ensure that all student data is protected and accessible to those who have the most at stake: parents and students. 

The confusion regarding the applicability of “education records” under FERPA to modern digital records stems from the Supreme Court’s language in a 2002 case, Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo . In that case, the Court described education records as centralized records held by an educational institution. It stated that “education records” would primarily be “institutional records kept by a single central custodian, such as a registrar” in a “filing cabinet in a records room at the school or on a permanent secure database.” 

ED, however, has interpreted “education records” more broadly. FERPA and its regulations define “education records” as “records, files, documents, and other materials which (i) contain information directly related to a student; and (ii) are maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a person acting for such agency or institution.” ED recognized in 2008 — six years after Owasso — that that definition is “broad” and readily applies to student data held by third parties acting on behalf of an institution, including data held by education technology vendors. This broad definition not only protects “education records” from disclosure, but also grants parents and students access to their own records. 

Although the Court’s Owasso decision was expressly limited to the issue before it — whether peer grading was prohibited by FERPA — and is nearly twenty years old, some courts and commentators ( here , here , and here !) have apparently overlooked ED’s 2008 description of “education records” as “broad.” They have instead concluded that the Court’s conception of “education records” does not include modern digital records, especially when those digital records are not centralized. That interpretation excludes digital records like email, video surveillance, and — critically — the vast datasets on students used to power algorithmic systems and artificial intelligence (AI) from FERPA’s protections. That narrow interpretation also limits parents’ and students’ access to their education records. 

The result has been confusion for schools and parents, public officials, and courts, often resulting in significant harms to students’ privacy and civil rights:

• Schools and parents: One company not only uses student data to score students’ likelihood of academic success as early as first grade , but also utilizes that data en masse to train its algorithmic products. Its algorithmic scoring uses nearly 7,000 data elements, including sensitive data such as gender, race, and enrollment in the free and reduced-price lunch program. Parents have sought access to their students’ data used in these algorithmic products; however, confusion over the scope of “education records” has caused parents to receive conflicting instructions from schools and the company , as each directed parents to submit their requests to the other. Consequently, parents’ requests often languished for months. 
• Public officials: In a 2018 memo, the Colorado Attorney General concluded that, because Owasso referred to education records kept “in a records room at the school or on a permanent secure database,” there is a “significant amount of information relevant to school safety [that] is outside the scope of FERPA and may be freely shared among educators and outside agencies, including law enforcement .”
• Courts: Similarly, in Central Dauphin School District v. Hawkins , the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania determined in a unanimous decision that surveillance video of an altercation between a parent and a teacher on a school bus was not an education record subject to FERPA, and ordered the video released under the state public records law . Relying on Owasso , the Hawkins court concluded that student data qualifies as an “education record” only if it is subject to a school district “protocol” for its maintenance, is maintained “permanently,” and is “capable of correction” — requirements that are not in FERPA or its regulations. Although the Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated the Hawkins decision, it did so without addressing the Hawkins court’s reliance on Owasso , and the reversal of the lower court underscores the confusion caused by the narrow, outdated conception of “education records” in Owasso .

These examples underscore the need for ED to clarify the application of the term “education records” to modern educational data, especially as used by algorithmic systems and artificial intelligence (AI). Algorithms and AI play an increasingly important role in education and rely on student information that is held in vast datasets , commingled with other students’ personal information, and sometimes dispersed across databases . Parents and students deserve to have access to their personal data behind those systems. ED should both:

• reiterate that its 2008 description of education records as “broad” applies to modern digital records such as email and video surveillance, even when it is held by third-party education technology vendors, and 
• clarify how the term “education records” applies to vast datasets utilized for algorithmic systems and artificial intelligence. 

Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Owasso , the role of education technology has expanded dramatically, and the global pandemic accelerated that trend. Now, edtech may monitor every moment of students’ online activity , score their likelihood of academic success , and surveil school buildings for disruptions or even students with a fever . Because executive agencies have the authority to clarify ambiguous terms in the statutes they administer , including after courts have interpreted those ambiguities , ED has the authority— and responsibility — to clarify the term “education record” and explain how FERPA applies to the rapid changes in education data and student privacy that have occurred since Owasso .

It is vitally important that ED act to clarify the term “education records” under FERPA. Those records may include not only a student’s coursework for online learning, but also video from remote proctoring, messages and documents stored in the cloud, the student’s disability status or gender identity, and information about online counseling sessions. All of that data may power algorithms and artificial intelligence used by schools to provide services or make critical decisions, and parents and students deserve access to their own data. ED should ensure that FERPA is understood to give families that access.

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Know Your Rights: Education Records

Education records can consist of anything that is directly related to you/your child and maintained by a school or other educational agency. They could include information such as

• Social Security number
• test scores
• class standing
• health information
• physical description
• attendance records
• discipline reports
• ethnic background
• political and religious affiliations
• special education records 

Schools that receive federal funds must comply with a federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which gives parents and students who are 18 or older (or attend post-secondary school) privacy rights regarding their education records.

Access and Review Your Education Records

You can request to review your education records from a school or agency. They must make them available within 45 days.

Parents of adult-age children can receive information from their child’s education records when the health or safety of the child or another person is threatened.

Dispute Errors and Request Amendments to Your Education Records

You can request that a school or agency correct or change any information you think is wrong, misleading or violates your privacy. If your information isn’t corrected or changed within a reasonable period of time, you have a right to a hearing. If your request is denied, you can include a statement in the record.

Approve or Deny Disclosure of Your Education Records

Usually you must give written consent before someone can access your/your child's education records. There are also situations where your consent isn't required and where you must opt out.

Military Recruiters

Military recruiters have access to high school students’ names, addresses and phone numbers unless you opt out. You will likely receive a notice at the beginning of the year allowing you to do so.

Directory Information

A school must notify you of the types of information it considers directory information and offer you the chance to request it not be disclosed. Directory information can include

• phone number
• email address
• date and place of birth
• grade level
• enrollment status
• sports participation
• dates of attendance
• degrees and awards

File Complaints with the U.S. Department of Education

If you think a school has violated your/your child’s education record rights, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office . If you do, you’ll have to file it within 180 days of the violation (or the date that you knew of it).

Further Resources

Data Breach Notification in the United States 2022 Report

Given the daily barrage of data breaches impacting consumers, Americans are increasingly demanding stronger privacy protections.

California Consumer Privacy Act

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a state law that provides California residents rights when dealing with businesses that collect and sell their personal information.

Newark Board of Education

The newark board of education appoints new principals for the 2024-25 school year.

Newark, NJ – Superintendent León proudly introduced the new principals for the 2024-25 school year, stating, "With their passion and perseverance, these principals exemplify how leadership and learning are inseparable."

Superintendent León met with the new cohort of principals, reiterating the importance of effective leadership, such as how informed decision-making impacts student achievement, excellent organizational skills, active community involvement, and leveraging personal experiences to develop meaningful connections with students.

Board President Council emphasized, "All these appointees were promoted internally after going through a rigorous interview process, affirming their suitability for their new roles."

Arts High School - Regina Sharpe  Regina Sharpe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Rutgers University and a Master’s of Arts in Administration & Supervision at Saint Peter’s College.  She was a teacher at Dr. William H. Horton and most recently the Vice Principal at Arts High School.

Belmont Runyon School - Robin L. Williams Robin L. Williams completed her K-12 education at the Newark Board of Education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from New Jersey City University and a Master’s of Science in Education: Leadership and Administration from Capella University. She taught Social Studies at Malcolm X Shabazz High School, where she later became the department chairperson and eventually the Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. Most recently, she served as Vice Principal of Peshine Avenue School for grades 3-5.

Branch Brook School - Cristina Pennetti Cristina Pennetti earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of Saint Elizabeth, followed by a Master’s of Arts in Teacher of the Handicapped High Incidence Disabilities from Kean University. She also obtained certifications as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant and Supervisor from Kean University. She further earned her Principal License through NJEXCEL, and served as a Supervisor for the Office of Special Education.

First Avenue School - Neysa Miranda Neysa Miranda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Drew University and a Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.  With over 23 years of experience in education, she has held various roles, including a teacher at McKinley Elementary School, a Literacy Coach at Chancellor Avenue School, and most recently as a Vice Principal at First Avenue School.

Franklin School – Robert Spat Robert Spat earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a Master’s of Arts in Educational Administration from Montclair State University. He served as a teacher of English Language Arts for approximately ten years and was Vice Principal at Rafael Hernández Elementary School.

Mount Vernon School - Serenia Farrell Serenia Farrell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Minor in African American Studies from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Teacher Certification from Kean University. She also earned a Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership from the Collage of St. Elizabeth. With over 20 years of experience, her career has included teacher, teacher aide, substitute teacher, and Vice Principal at Louise A. Spencer School.

Park Elementary School - Amy Panitch Amy Panitch earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching at Montclair State University. Her first teaching assignment was at Franklin School in Newark where she taught third and fourth grades and also served as a teacher coach. She earned a second master’s degree from Montclair State University in Educational Leadership and was promoted to Vice Principal at Franklin School, then appointed principal of Franklin School.

Salomé Ureña Elementary School – Liana Rodriguez Liana Rodriguez earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, continued her education and received her Early Childhood certification. She holds a Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. She began her career at the North Ward Center, Inc., followed by the NBOE Office of Early Childhood before transitioning to Vice Principal at Roberto Clemente Elementary School.

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened nine new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact: Nancy J. Deering, Acting Communications Director ndeering@ null nps.k12.nj.us

• Frank Cerabino
• Nation & World
• Fort Lauderdale

School calendar: What's the first day? Also, holidays for 2024-25 in Palm Beach County

Here's what to know about the quickly approaching 2024-25 school year..

Summer is flying by for students, parents and school employees in Palm Beach County.

The Fourth of July weekend marks the unofficial halfway point of summer — which means popsicles and days spent on the water will soon be replaced by earlier alarms and shopping for school supplies.

But when does the new 2024-25 school year actually start for students in district-run schools? And when are the major breaks for students this year?

The upcoming school year will begin on Monday, Aug. 12 and end on May 30, 2025.

School start times will be normal this year, although a new law requires middle and high schools to begin later starting in 2026. Palm Beach County school leaders are weighing three different proposals to push back school start times for middle and high schoolers.

Here's what else to know about the upcoming school year:

When is Palm Beach County's first day of school 2024?

The first day of school is Monday. Aug. 12.

Teachers will have pre-school work days starting Aug. 5. No students will be on campus during those work days.

When is fall break 2024 for Palm Beach County schools?

Students will get two weekdays off in October.

They'll be off Thursday, Oct. 3. Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Oct. 2 and ends at nightfall on Oct. 4.

Students will also get a day off on Monday, Oct. 14. That day is observed as Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day.

When is Thanksgiving break for Palm Beach County schools in 2024?

Students in Palm Beach County will be off school starting Monday, Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving, which falls late this year on Thursday, Nov. 28.

Schools will be closed the entire week.

They'll go back to school on Monday, Dec. 2 after Thanksgiving.

When are schools closed for winter break for 2024 holidays?

Students will be out of school from Monday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

They'll return to school on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

When is spring break in Palm Beach County 2025?

Students will not have school from Monday, March 25 through Monday, March 31.

It's no joke: Students will go back to school after spring break on April 1.

When is the last day of school in Palm Beach County 2025?

Palm Beach County students will end the school year on Friday, May 30.

It will be a four-day week, as Memorial Day 2025 will be observed on Monday of that week, May 26.

To see the entire school calendar,  visit the Palm Beach County School District's website.

Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected] . Help support our work; subscribe today!

Because differences are our greatest strength

Sample letter: Requesting your child’s school records

By Lexi Walters Wright

Expert reviewed by Whitney Hollins

You have a legal right to see your child’s educational records . Many school districts have a standard form to fill out for requesting records. You can ask the principal or school secretary for it.

Sample letter: Request a copy of your child’s school records PDF - 43.0 KB

Customize it with information about your child, and keep these points in mind:

If it would be hard for you to come to the school to view the records, add a sentence to the letter explaining why.

Ask the school to mail you a copy of your child’s records.

Be sure to specify where you’d like the copies to be sent.

You also can make a request via email. Sometimes that’s the quickest option, and it makes it easy to keep a record of the communications.

Key takeaways

Download sample letters for requesting evaluations .

If your child has an IEP, explore printable downloads to help manage the IEP .

If need be, use these sample letters for dispute resolution , including a letter to discuss a problem with the school.

Explore related topics

State or private school? The education backgrounds of the new cabinet

The new cabinet breaks records when it comes to the number of ministers and secretaries of state who went to comprehensive school. Sky News looks at the educational background of each of Sir Keir Starmer's new top team.

Tuesday 9 July 2024 16:34, UK

The new Labour cabinet has a record number of state-educated ministers. 

Out of 25 cabinet members, just one went to private school and one to grammar, with the remainder - 92% - attending comprehensive school, according to analysis by The Sutton Trust.

By comparison, in the cabinets of Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss just 19% of ministers were state educated.

About 6% of children in the UK go to private school, meaning this cabinet closely reflects the educational experiences of the general public.

But that starts to diverge when you look at higher education, with 40% of cabinet ministers having studied at Oxbridge, compared to less than 1% of the UK population.

Sky News looks at the educational background of each of Sir Keir Starmer's new top team.

Sir Keir Starmer, prime minister

School type: Grammar

Sir Keir studied law at the University of Leeds before gaining his postgraduate degree at Oxford.

His school was a selective state school when he joined and his place was state-funded throughout his time there, but became a private school two years into his time there.

Read more: Keir Starmer: From high-flying barrister to government Meet Victoria Starmer, the new prime minister's wife

Angela Rayner, deputy prime minister and levelling up secretary

School type: Comprehensive

Ms Rayner did not go to university. She left school at 16 with no qualifications when she was pregnant with her first son.

After giving birth, Ms Rayner went to college part-time, studying British sign language and social care.

Read more: The story behind the new deputy PM

Rachel Reeves, chancellor

She read philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford before gaining a master's in economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).

Ms Reeves was educated at an all-girls comprehensive school in Beckenham, south London, which she said "really believed" in her and "gave me everything I needed to get on".

She described herself as "swot", revealing she did SATs exams in her free time after her school boycotted them.

Read more: Rachel Reeves - Chess champion to treasury

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Mr McFadden studied politics at Edinburgh University.

David Lammy, foreign secretary

Mr Lammy studied law at SOAS and later became the first black Briton to attend Harvard Law School, where he gained a master of laws degree.

He has condemned Oxford University for not accepting enough black and ethnic minority students.

Read more: All you need to know about David Lammy

Yvette Cooper, home secretary

Ms Cooper read PPE at Oxford University and was then awarded a Kennedy Scholarship to study at Harvard University.

She finished her studies with a master's in economics at LSE.

John Healey, defence secretary

School type: Comprehensive; independent sixth form college

Mr Healey was mostly educated at a comprehensive but went to a private school for his last two years.

He then studied social and political science at the University of Cambridge.

Shabana Mahmood, justice secretary

School type: Comprehensive; grammar for sixth form college

Ms Mahmood failed the 11-plus exam that would have granted her a place at grammar school, instead attending the local comprehensive.

But she has said she remained a "full-blown geek", and she went to a grammar school after GCSEs.

She studied law at the University of Oxford.

Wes Streeting, health secretary

Mr Streeting studied history at Cambridge University.

Read more: Who is Wes Streeting

Bridget Phillipson, education secretary

Ms Phillipson's family grew up in a council house, and she has described being "bullied at school" because "parents didn't want their children mixing with people like me".

She went to drama school on the weekends, which landed her a role as an extra in the TV series Byker Grove.

She studied modern history at the University of Oxford, where she became co-chair of the university Labour club.

Read more: Bridget Phillipson - Bullied at school and rotten windows

Read more: Who's who in Keir Starmer's inner circle What to expect from the government's first 100 days

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Ed Miliband, energy secretary

Mr Miliband read PPE at University of Oxford and then gained a master's in economics at LSE.

Liz Kendall, work and pensions secretary

Ms Kendall went to Watford Grammar School - which despite its name is only partially selective. She was at school with former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

She went on to study history at the University of Cambridge.

Jonathan Reynolds, business and trade secretary

Mr Reynolds studied politics and modern history at the University of Manchester.

He later enrolled in law school as a mature student, gaining a graduate diploma in law (GDL) and legal practice course (LPC) at BPP Law School in Manchester.

Peter Kyle, science, innovation and technology secretary

Having struggled with severe undiagnosed dyslexia at school, Mr Kyle went to university aged 25 after encouragement from a colleague at the Body Shop.

At the University of Sussex he was diagnosed with dyslexia and ultimately gained a PhD in community economic development.

Louise Haigh, transport secretary

School type: Private

Ms Haigh went to Sheffield High School, an independent school.

She studied government and economics at LSE but did not finish the course, going on to graduate with a degree in politics from the University of Nottingham.

Steve Reed, environment, food and rural affairs secretary

Mr Reed studied English at the University of Sheffield - the first member of his family to go to university.

Lisa Nandy, culture, media and sport secretary

Ms Nandy studied politics at Newcastle University before gaining a master's in public policy at Birkbeck, University of London.

Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland secretary

Mr Benn graduated in Russian and Eastern European Studies from the University of Sussex.

Ian Murray, Scottish secretary

Mr Murray gained an honours degree in social policy and law from the University of Edinburgh.

Jo Stevens, Welsh secretary

Ms Stevens studied law at Manchester University before completing the solicitors' professional examination at Manchester Polytechnic.

Lucy Powell, leader of the House of Commons

Ms Powell studied chemistry at the University of Oxford and King's College London.

Angela Smith, leader of the House of Lords

Baroness Smith graduated with a BA in public administration from Leicester Polytechnic.

Alan Campbell, chief whip

Mr Campbell studied politics at Lancaster University and then gained a PGCE from the University of Leeds.

He finished his education at Newcastle Polytechnic, gaining a master's in history.

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury

Mr Jones studied human bioscience at Plymouth University, where he was elected president of the students' union.

Richard Hermer, attorney general

Mr Hermer studied politics and modern history at the University of Manchester.

Related Topics

DREAM Act for Non-Citizens

The Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act gives undocumented and other students access to New York State‐administered student financial aid to support their higher education costs.

Students eligible to apply for financial aid through the NYS Dream Act must also complete an application for each program they are interested in obtaining aid from. 

Step 1: Determining Your Eligibility

Note: A student seeking New York State financial aid, including TAP, for the first time must pass a federally approved ATB test identified by the Board of Regents if the student does not possess a U.S. high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

If you fit one of the descriptions below, you may be eligible for one or more NYS student financial aid awards under the DREAM Act:

• Temporary protected status, pursuant to the Federal Immigration Act of 1990
• Without lawful immigration status (including those with DACA status)
• You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within  5  years of receiving your NYS high school diploma  OR
• You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within  10  years of receiving your NYS high school diploma  OR
• You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within  5  years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma  OR
• You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within  10  years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma  OR
• You are or will be charged the NYS resident in-state tuition rate at a SUNY or CUNY college for a reason other than residency.
• U.S. citizen
• Permanent lawful resident
• Of a class of refugees paroled by the attorney general under his or her parole authority pertaining to the admission of aliens to the U.S.
• You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within 5 years of receiving your NYS high school diploma  OR
• You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within 10 years of receiving your NYS high school diploma  OR
• You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within 5 years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma  OR
• You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within 10 years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma  OR

Step 2: Completing the Application

Students meeting the NYS Dream Act eligibility criteria can apply for one or more HESC-administered grant and scholarship programs and be directed to the NYS DREAM Act application powered by International Scholarship & Tuition Services (ISTS).

The application is simple and straightforward, and the information provided will be used ONLY to determine eligibility for and administer awards.

Applicants without lawful immigration status will NOT be asked for their home address and will NOT have to upload financial records.

Step 3: Monitoring the Status of Your Application

Once you have submitted an application, it is your responsibility to monitor its status and ensure its completion. After submitting your application, you will be able to upload any required documentation and monitor its status online.

Step 4: Award Notification and Acceptance

You will be notified by email when a determination has been made regarding your eligibility for each award for which you have applied. If you are determined to be eligible for an award, your next step will be to accept the award!

For certain awards, you must sign a contract agreeing to live and/or work in New York State for a required number of years after graduation as a condition of receiving the award. If you decide not to accept an award with a post-graduation requirement, please indicate this on the contract.

Start Your Application

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