What does FERPA require for the release of student educational records?

FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, establishes guidelines to protect the privacy of students' educational records. Under FERPA, student authorization is necessary for the release of these records. This requirement ensures that students have control over who can access their personal information, promoting the right to privacy.

The rationale for this provision is to empower students, particularly those aged 18 and older, to manage their own educational records. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility regarding their educational information. While certain exceptions exist—such as emergencies, health and safety concerns, or specific disclosures to school officials under defined circumstances—the general rule remains that student consent is required for the release of educational records.

In this context, the other options do not align with FERPA regulations. For instance, no authorization needed does not respect the student's right to privacy. Parental authorization is typically not required once a student turns 18, as the rights transfer from parents to the student. Teacher authorization alone does not suffice since it does not provide a comprehensive safeguard for the student's educational records. Therefore, student authorization stands as the correct requirement under FERPA.