Skip to main content
Home

Protecting Student Privacy

U.S. Department of Education

A Service of the Student Privacy Policy Office's
Privacy Technical Assistance Center

Main menu

  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
    • Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
    • Annual Notices
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Guidance
    • Legal Basics
    • Security Best Practices
    • Glossary
    • Letters of Importance
    • Historical Archive of Issued Letters
  • Training
    • Online Training Modules
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • Browse by Audience
    • Browse By Audience
    • K-12 School Officials
    • Parents and Students
    • Postsecondary School Officials
    • Early Childhood Educators
    • Vendors
    • Researchers
  • FAQs
  • ESPAÑOL

  • About
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Ask a Question
    • Subscribe to the Student Privacy Newsletter
    • Request PTAC Training or Technical Assistance
  • File a Complaint

  • Acerca de
  • Contacto
    • Haga una pregunta
    • Suscríbase al boletín de privacidad del estudiante
    • Solicite capacitación o asistencia técnica del PTAC
  • Presente una Denuncia

Mobile complaint link

  • File a Complaint

Technical Brief #1: Basic Concepts and Definitions for Privacy and Confidentiality in Student Education Records

Last Updated: November 2010

Download Document

This Technical Brief discusses basic concepts and definitions that establish a common set of terms related to the protection of personally identifiable information, especially in education records in the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS). This Brief also outlines a privacy framework that is tied to Fair Information Practice Principles that have been promulgated in both the United States and international privacy work.

Featured Resources

A Parent Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. This guide provides general information on a parent’s rights under FERPA.

An Eligible Student Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of postsecondary education at any age, the student becomes an “eligible student,” and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student. This guide provides general information on an eligible student’s rights under FERPA.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) General Guidance

This guidance document reviews parents’ rights under the PPRA and education officials’ obligations in implementing the PPRA.  The PPRA applies to the programs and activities of a State educational agency (SEA), local educational agency (LEA), or other recipient of funds under any program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. (20 U.S.C. § 1232h, 34 CFR Part 98)

SPPO-21-01

  • Resources
    • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
    • Legal Basics
    • Security Best Practices
    • Glossary
    • Letters of Importance
    • Historic Findings Letters
  • Training
    • Online Training Modules
    • Guidance Videos
    • Recorded Webinars
  • Browse by Audience
    • School Officials K-12
    • Parents & Students
    • Postsecondary School Officials
    • Early Childhood Educators
    • Vendors
    • Researchers
  • Other
    • FAQs
    • Legal Basics
    • Contact
    • Subscribe to the Student Privacy Newsletter
    • Request PTAC Training or Technical Assistance

Privacy Policy