What does FERPA regulate concerning education records?

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, primarily regulates the protection of students' educational records. It grants students and their parents certain rights regarding the access to and privacy of these records. Under FERPA, educational institutions must have written permission from a parent or eligible student in order to disclose any personal information from a student’s education records, which include grades, transcripts, and disciplinary records, among other information. This act is crucial in ensuring that students' educational information is safeguarded against unauthorized access or disclosure, fostering a privacy-protective environment for students' academic information.