Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

All student information should be treated confidentially. Both state and federal laws protect the privacy of student information, including the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (“FERPA”). FERPA is a federal law that governs the disclosure of school and personal records for students. As a volunteer, you may find yourself having access to protected student information during the course of your service. We must keep all student data and information confidential pursuant to FERPA. Sharing student information with others may be a violation of the law. Confidential information includes any personally identifiable information regarding a student, including, but not limited to:

• The student’s name

• The name(s) of the parent(s)/guardian(s)

• The name of another family member

• The parent’s address

• A personal identifier (like a social security number)

• Characteristics that would make it possible to identify the student with reasonable certainty

• Academic and health records

• Test scores and grades

• Family information 

• Discipline or behavioral incident information

• Status or accommodations given to a student when there is an academic or developmental special need 

Volunteers must respect the confidential nature of the knowledge they gain concerning the academic performance, behavior, and personal information of the students with whom they work. Discuss concerns with the teacher, not with other volunteers, parents/family members, or acquaintances. 

As a volunteer, you must not disclose such confidential information except as may be allowed and/or required by law or NISD policy. You further must exercise due diligence to safeguard against the negligent disclosure of confidential information by ensuring confidential information is not left unattended or unsecured in paper or digital format. If you have any questions about whether certain information is confidential or the disclosure of student information, ask the campus administration for clarification. 

For additional information about FERPA and to read the FERPA regulations visit the Department of Education's Protecting Student Privacy website.