Family Resources » Annual Communication

Annual Communication

Parent Rights: FERPA and PPRA

At Morgan County Schools, we are committed to protecting the privacy and rights of our students and their families. Below is an overview of two important federal laws that safeguard student information and parental rights:

FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

FERPA is a federal law that gives parents and eligible students (age 18 or older) the following rights regarding student education records:

  • The right to inspect and review education records maintained by the school.

  • The right to request corrections to records they believe are inaccurate or misleading.

  • The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII), with some exceptions allowed under the law.

  • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education for alleged violations.

FERPA allows schools to disclose "directory information" (e.g., name, grade level, participation in sports/activities, honors/awards) without consent unless parents opt out in writing.

PPRA – Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

PPRA gives parents certain rights regarding surveys, collection of information, and physical exams related to their child. These include:

  • The right to give consent before a student is required to participate in a survey funded by the U.S. Department of Education that includes sensitive questions (e.g., political beliefs, mental health, religion, income).

  • The right to opt their child out of:

    • Any survey (regardless of funding source) that includes protected topics

    • Activities involving the collection of personal information for marketing

    • Non-emergency physical exams or screenings not required by state law

  • The right to review any survey or instructional material used in connection with such surveys.

For more information about your rights under FERPA or PPRA, or to request forms to opt out, please contact Renee Davis, Special Populations Supervisor at Morgan County Schools Central Office.