What is a teacher's right regarding access to a student's school records?

A teacher's right to access a student's school records is guided by the principle of legitimate educational interest. This means that educators are entitled to view student records relevant to their professional responsibilities and duties. This access allows teachers to utilize the information to inform their instruction, support student needs, and collaborate with parents and other professionals effectively.

Legitimate educational interest ensures that teachers can access only those records necessary for their role, promoting confidentiality and protecting student privacy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulates these rights, emphasizing that student records should not be broadly accessible to all staff members without a purpose aligned with educational goals.

This approach balances the need for educators to have access to critical information required for teaching while safeguarding students' privacy rights, ensuring that sensitive information is disclosed only on a need-to-know basis.