Student Privacy Rights: FERPA & PPRA FAQ
- Jerome School District
- Aug 1, 2024
- 3 min read
This page explains your student privacy rights under two important federal laws:
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)
These laws ensure that you stay informed and in control of your student’s educational records, surveys, and personal information. See JSD Policies relating to FERPA and PPRA below.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all schools receiving federal funds, including Jerome School District.
What are my rights under FERPA?
As a parent or eligible student (age 18+ or attending school beyond high school), you have the right to:
Inspect and review your student’s education records.
Request corrections to records you believe are inaccurate or misleading.
Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information (PII), except in limited cases allowed by law.
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if you believe your rights are violated.
How do I access or request changes to my student’s records?
Submit a written request to your school. You’ll be given access within 45 days. If you request a correction and the school declines, you can request a formal hearing and add a written statement to the record.
When can the school share my student’s information without consent?
FERPA allows schools to release records without consent to:
School officials with a legitimate educational interest
Another school your student is transferring to Government agencies for audits/evaluations
Financial aid offices
Certain educational researchers
A school official includes staff, contractors, consultants, or volunteers who need access to fulfill their duties.
What is directory information? Can I opt out?
Directory information includes basic details like:
Name
Grade level
Participation in activities or sports
Honors and awards
Photos for school publications
You may opt out annually by submitting a Directory Information Opt-Out Form from your school office or our website.
What if I have a FERPA complaint?
File with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
What is PPRA?
PPRA protects student privacy regarding surveys, data collection, and certain exams in federally funded education programs.
What kinds of surveys are covered?
You must be notified in advance and give written consent before your child is given a survey funded by the U.S. Department of Education that asks about:
Political beliefs
Mental or psychological issues
Sexual behavior or attitudes
Illegal or self-incriminating behavior
Religious beliefs
Family relationships
Income (unless required)
Legally recognized privileged relationships
Can I opt my student out of certain activities?
Yes. You have the right to opt your student out of:
Any survey that includes the topics above
Collection of personal information for marketing or sale
Certain non-emergency physical exams or screenings (not required by Idaho law)
Your school will notify you before these activities take place.
Can I review surveys or instructional materials?
Parents can request to review any survey or material used in connection with data collection or evaluation.
How and when will I be notified?
Jerome School District provides notice of FERPA and PPRA rights:
On the Jerome School District website
At the beginning of each school year
Before any specific covered activity (e.g., surveys, marketing data collection)
You can also request info at any time from your school.
Accessibility and Translations
We’ll provide this notice in your home language or an accessible format upon request. This page can be automatically translated by changing the language at the top.
I have more questions
Contact your school office or the Jerome School District Office.
JSD Policies and Procedures:
