Which policy governs disclosures of student information in ethical practice?

• A. FERPA and IDEA guidelines and district policies.
• B. Local gossip and informal channels.
• C. Only school administrators can decide.
• D. Public access to all student records.

Answer: (A)

Disclosures of student information in ethical practice are governed by FERPA, IDEA guidelines, and district policies. FERPA protects the privacy of education records and gives rights to parents or eligible students, including access to records, the ability to request amendments, and restrictions on who may see the information without consent. IDEA strengthens confidentiality for students with disabilities, limiting disclosures to individuals directly involved in the student’s education and requiring appropriate consent and procedures for handling special education records. District policies operationalize these laws, specifying who can access records, how consent is obtained, how information is shared securely, and how records are managed during transitions or when records are requested by outside entities.

In practice, disclosures should be limited to those with a legitimate need to know, use secure channels, and follow documented procedures. They may occur with consent, to coordinate services, to protect safety, or as required by law, but not through informal channels or broad public access.