What is the primary purpose of FERPA?

• A. To regulate school meal programs
• B. To protect student privacy
• C. To govern attendance policies
• D. To define teacher qualifications

Answer: (B)

FERPA protects the privacy of students' education records and controls how that information can be shared. It gives parents and eligible students the right to inspect and review records, request amendments, and consent to disclosures with certain exceptions. It also allows schools to share information with other school officials who have a legitimate educational interest and to disclose directory information unless the family opts out. This framework means practitioners must obtain proper consent or rely on FERPA-permitted disclosures when sharing student information, and they must keep records secure and provide rights notices. Other options involve school meal programs, attendance policies, or teacher qualifications, which are governed by different laws and policies and not FERPA.