What must a school do when it discloses personally identifiable information under FERPA?

When a school discloses personally identifiable information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), it is required to make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or student about the disclosure. This requirement underscores the importance of transparency in handling student information and the rights of students and their families to be informed about when and how their information is shared.

Making a reasonable effort to notify ensures that parents or eligible students are aware of any disclosures that could impact their or the student’s privacy. This is a key tenant of FERPA, emphasizing communication and respect for student rights.

While some options might involve aspects of communicating with parents or providing access to student records, they do not capture the essential requirement of making reasonable efforts to inform the affected parties about the disclosure, which is central to maintaining trust and responsibility in educational institutions.