What level of education does FERPA prioritize in terms of educational records?

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding and covers the educational records of students at all levels, not just a specific subset. This includes records from primary and secondary education as well as higher education and vocational training programs.

The act is designed to provide parents and eligible students (students who are 18 years or older) with the right to access educational records, seek to amend records they believe to be inaccurate, and control the disclosure of personally identifiable information. By encompassing all educational levels in its purview, FERPA ensures that privacy rights are maintained throughout a student's educational journey, from early childhood education through graduate studies. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of safeguarding educational records across the entire spectrum of education.