A combination of federal and state laws protect the privacy and confidentiality protocols of students' public school records, which may include everything from discipline records and notes from guidance counselors to test results and grades. Federal law applies to all schools receiving federal funding, which includes virtually all public schools, and protects student and parent rights to inspect and review a student's records, while allowing students or parents to make any necessary corrections. Some states have additional statutory guidelines for handling students' information. The concern is that a student's information could be used for identity theft, blackmail, or other types of fraud, not to mention general breaches of privacy.
Overview of Idaho Laws Concerning the Privacy of School Records
Idaho statute provides very little guidance on how to handle school records beyond guaranteed access to custodial and non-custodial parents and other federal provisions. Federal laws on this matter are discussed in greater detail below.
| Code Section | 32-717A |
| Who Has Access to School Records? | Custodial and non-custodial parent |
| Penalty for Violation of School Record Privacy Laws | - |
| Federal Agency to Contact with Complaints | To file a complaint about school record privacy violations, contact the U.S. Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) at 1-8000-872-5327 or: FPCO Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave SW Washington, DC 20202-5920 |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the enactment of newly signed legislation or voter-approved ballot initiatives, the decisions of higher courts (both federal and state), and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you may also want to contact an Idaho education law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Federal Protection of School Records
FERPA prohibits schools from disclosing personally identifiable educational records without the parent's written permission, including files, documents, health records, or other materials pertaining to a student and maintained by the school. PPRA places certain restrictions on the participation by students in surveys, evaluations, or other potential disclosure of sensitive information.
Research the Law
Idaho School Record Privacy Laws: Related Resources
