Videos
These short videos are intended to provide best practices on specific topics surrounding student privacy, or have been produced as easy-to-use companions to existing guidance documents. New videos are added periodically.
The A-B-C's of Student Directory Information
FERPA allows schools and districts to designate certain basic student information as directory information, and share that information without consent if certain additional requirements are met. This video describes why a school would want to use designated student directory information and the types of information that fall into this category. It also explains the process that schools and districts must adhere to when designating directory information.
How to Use your District's Website to Communicate with Parents about Data Use and Security
Parents need to feel confident that the education information collected and stored by your district is securely maintained and only used for educational purposes. This video highlights common parent questions, and provides best practices that districts can implement to communicate with parents about data privacy.
Protecting Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Services
This Privacy Technical Assistance Center teacher training video is aimed at helping K-12 school officials to better protect student privacy while using online educational services and applications. The video, intended for use during teacher in-service days or professional development meetings, offers a short summary of the issue and provides some examples to help educators identify which online educational services and applications are privacy-friendly and protect student data from improper use and disclosure.
Student Privacy 101:
The Department of Education is committed to student privacy. We administer the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and we provide technical assistance to help schools and school districts use best practices in their use and management of information about students. This site aims to assist stakeholders in protecting the privacy of students by providing official guidance on FERPA , technical best practices and the answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Responsibility for the Department’s student privacy operations lies in the Office of the Chief Privacy Officer. To learn more about FERPA please click on the video to the right.