What is the duration of FERPA rights for students?

The correct interpretation regarding the duration of FERPA rights is that these rights are indefinite and transfer to the student when they reach the age of 18 or when they enroll in a postsecondary institution, whichever comes first. This means that parents’ rights to access a child's educational records end when the child reaches adulthood, allowing students to have control over their educational information.

FERPA is designed to protect the privacy of student education records, and upon reaching adulthood or entering postsecondary education, students are empowered to make decisions regarding their records without parental involvement. This transfer of rights is fundamental to promote independence in students as they transition into adulthood or higher education.