By Audience: K-12 School Officials

The resources on this page are intended for staff and educators of public K-12 schools and school districts. Resources found here typically address FERPA and how it applies to the various day-to-day operations of public schools at the administrative level. Guidance is also provided for specific situations that occur only in the K-12 setting.

Letters

Cover letter to the Department’s annual notices to SEAs and LEAs

The Department of Education (Department) is required to notify annually each State educational agency (SEA) and each local educational agency (LEA) of its obligations, as a recipient of Department funds, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). This is the cover letter to the Department’s annual notices to SEAs and LEAs.

Best Practices

May Schools Disclose Information about Cases of COVID-19?

Schools across the nation are working hard to keep students, teachers, and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many schools are wondering whether the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows them to disclose information about cases of COVID-19 to the community. The Student Privacy Policy Office provided answers to these questions in our March 2020 guidance. Subsequent to issuing the guidance, we have seen reports that states, cities, school districts, and schools are continuing to face questions about disclosing COVID-19 cases.

Guidance

Improving the Effectiveness and Efficiency of FERPA Enforcement

The Department is committed to protecting student privacy. To provide more timely and effective assistance to parents and students and to address a recommendation made by the Department’s Office of the Inspector General to “implement a risk-based approach to processing and resolving FERPA complaints,” the Department is modifying its investigatory practices to more efficiently address and resolve complaints and violations under FERPA.

Guidance

Technical Assistance on Student Privacy for State and Local Educational Agencies When Administering College Admissions Examinations

The administration of college admissions examinations by SEAs and LEAs raises potential legal issues under FERPA, IDEA, PPRA, and State privacy laws, and generally raises concerns about privacy best practices. In particular, the pre-test surveys administered in connection with these exams raised privacy concerns that SEAs and LEAs must consider when contracting with the testing companies. This document discusses the legal issues, and advises SEAs and LEAs about how to remain in compliance when administering the tests. The document also conveys best practice recommendations to encourage transparency and parental involvement.

Best Practices

Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Teachers

This printable infographic provides simple tips for increasing cybersecurity readiness, cyber-awareness, and strategies to help teachers and school administrators recognize and defeat cyber threats and protect students’ and staff privacy.

Online Training Modules

FERPA 101: For Local Education Agencies

This interactive computer-based training course introduces learners to the basics of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as it applies to K-12 schools, districts and local education agencies.

Guidance

Online Training Modules

FERPA 201: Data Sharing under FERPA

This interactive computer-based training course introduces learners to the intricacies of sharing data in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements.

Best Practices

Nuevos Recursos de Privacidad Estudiantil en Español

La Oficina de Políticas de Privacidad de los Estudiantes (SPPO) se complace en anunciar el lanzamiento de una nueva página inicial en español, la cual brinda recursos y mejores prácticas de privacidad de los estudiantes en español. El hacer que esta información esté disponible en español ayudará a garantizar que más comunidades puedan entender el tema de mejor manera y que se involucren en conversaciones acerca de las leyes y políticas de privacidad de los estudiantes. Visite nuestra página inicial en español para más información.

Best Practices

New Student Privacy Resources in Spanish

SPPO is pleased to announce the launch of a new Spanish Language Home Page, which provides student privacy resources and best practices in Spanish. Making this information available in Spanish will help to ensure that more communities can meaningfully understand and engage in discussion about student privacy laws and policies. Visit our Spanish Language Home Page to learn more.

Letters

Letter to Westlake City Schools

Letter to Westlake City School Regarding Questions on Classroom Activities and Honor Roll Recognition.

Mobile complaint link