FERPA disclosure without consent?

• A. Disclosures are never allowed.
• B. Disclosures are always allowed.
• C. Disclosures are allowed only under specific conditions or with consent.
• D. Disclosures require teacher approval only.

Answer: (C)

Disclosures without consent happen only when specific conditions are met. Under FERPA, student records are usually protected and require written consent to share, but there are clearly defined exceptions. For example, school officials with legitimate educational interests can access records without consent, records can be shared with another school where the student is transferring, and information can be disclosed to protect health or safety in an emergency. There are also allowances for certain designations like directory information, and for disclosures in response to a subpoena or court order. Because of these exceptions, disclosures are not always allowed or always disallowed; they are permitted only under defined circumstances or with consent.