What is the primary purpose of FERPA regarding student records?

The primary purpose of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of student educational records. FERPA grants parents or eligible students the right to access their education records while also imposing strict regulations on who can view and share these records. This law empowers individuals to have control over their personal information in educational settings, ensuring that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized disclosure. Therefore, the emphasis on maintaining private and confidential information is fundamental to FERPA's function in safeguarding students' rights and privacy.