What is the main purpose of FERPA?

The primary objective of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is to protect the privacy of student education records. This law grants parents and eligible students certain rights concerning access to and control over their educational information. Under FERPA, students have the right to review their records, request amendments to inaccurate information, and limit the disclosure of personally identifiable information without consent. The protection of student privacy is essential in maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive educational data and ensuring that students and families feel secure regarding their information.

The other options, such as enhancing teacher training, ensuring school facilities are safe, or standardizing student assessments, do not align with the fundamental intentions of FERPA. These areas, while important in education, are governed by different regulations and policies that specifically address those issues. Thus, the focus of FERPA squarely centers on safeguarding student privacy.