Okay, so FERPA, huh?
Think of it like this: its a law thats supposed to protect your childs educational records. Like, grades, attendance, that sort of thing. The main idea is that the school cant just be sharing all their info with anyone who asks. It gives the student (once they turn 18, or go to college, regardless of age) the right to say who can see their records.
Yep, you read that right. Once theyre 18, or enrolled in college, theyre the ones in charge of their educational privacy. Even if youre paying the tuition! This can be a bit of a shock to parents, I know! You might be thinkin, "But Im the parent! I deserve to know how theyre doin!" And, yeah, thats understandable.
So, what can you do as a parent? Well, first, talk to your kid. Before they go off to college, have a conversation about FERPA and why its important. Maybe theyll be willing to sign a waiver allowing the school to share information with you. (Each school has their own specific forms for this, just so ya know). managed services new york city Its all about communication, really.
If your child doesnt sign a waiver, youre pretty much outta luck unless theres a real, serious emergency. Like, a health crisis or something. Then the school might be able to share information, but its on a case-by-case basis.
Honestly, FERPA can be a bit confusing, and every school interprets it slightly differently. So, the best thing to do is check with your childs school directly and ask them about their specific FERPA policies. Dont be afraid to ask questions!