The term “Need to Know” has been assigned to information that is considered highly confidential, private, and sensitive in nature. This limited and restricted data is designed and framed to be shared by and with certain prescribed individuals if it will directly impact their obligations, responsibilities, and duties.
“Right to Know” is commonly referred to as the “Open Public Records Act” (OPRA) in New Jersey (2002 approval of legislation), and refers to public communications, data or information: on public records, related to legislation, regarding budgetary and fiscal matters, etc.; which are not exempt from the provisions made for public access.
Student records and confidential student information maintained by schools and school districts do not fall under the auspices of OPRA, and may not legally be shared with the general public.
The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), enacted by the U.S. Department of Education, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records.
Student discipline issues in schools and districts around the country often lead to the question about what parents of other students need to know vs. what they have a right to know regarding these confidential and sensitive issues.
According to the guidelines of FERPA and OPRA, the amount and type of information school and school district officials and employees have the latitude to share with the general public remains restricted and limited in order to protect student privacy and student identity.
Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.
Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org
"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)
No comments:
Post a Comment