Which act specifies allowable access to educational records?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the legislation that specifically defines and regulates access to educational records. This act ensures that students and their parents have the right to inspect and review the student's education records, as well as the right to request amendments to those records if they believe they are inaccurate, misleading, or violate the privacy rights of the student.

FERPA establishes guidelines pertaining to the confidentiality of students' educational records, allowing certain disclosures without consent while requiring explicit consent for others. It applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding, giving students and their families significant control over their educational information.

In contrast, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) primarily focuses on the education of children with disabilities and their right to a free appropriate public education, while also incorporating some provisions regarding access to educational records relevant to special education. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is aimed at prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including education, technology, and employment, but it does not specifically address educational records. The Child Abuse Prevention Act relates to the prevention of child abuse and does not pertain to educational records.

Thus, FERPA is the key act that specifies allowable access to educational records, ensuring the protection of