The U.S. Department of Education has released updated guidance in 2025 to help schools and districts better understand their responsibilities under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA for schools). This updated FAQ includes 37 commonly asked questions addressing how and when schools can disclose student information—particularly to school resource officers (SROs), law enforcement units, and other parties—while staying compliant with federal privacy regulations.
The document provides clearer explanations of FERPA’s provisions around health and safety emergencies, student record access, and third-party data handling, aiming to support school leaders and staff in applying these rules correctly.
Understanding Compliance Laws Beyond FERPA
In addition to FERPA, many schools must also navigate other privacy regulations depending on their state or technology usage:
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COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): Governs the online collection of personal data from children under 13.
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SOPIPA (California’s Student Online Personal Information Protection Act): Restricts the use of student data for advertising and mandates strict data security practices.
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State-specific privacy laws: Many states have their own policies reinforcing or expanding on FERPA protections.
Understanding these laws helps schools select vendors, develop internal policies, and communicate effectively with families about data protection practices.
Research Insights on Student Data Privacy in EdTech
A recent case study by graduate students from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Public Policy examined how educational technology companies approach student data privacy communication. Through interviews and policy reviews, the study identified best practices for building clear, effective public messaging around privacy, security, and data usage.
One key insight: EdTech providers that built privacy considerations into their platforms from the beginning demonstrated greater transparency and trust with school partners. These examples serve as a model for other startups and vendors in the education space.
Tools and Considerations for Schools
Schools seeking to align with FERPA and related privacy laws should evaluate:
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Visitor management systems that log and restrict access to student records.
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Parental communication tools that provide clear opt-in/opt-out options for data sharing.
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Platforms with privacy-by-design principles that minimize unnecessary data collection and maintain strong security protocols.
Using tools built with compliance frameworks in mind can help schools streamline their safety efforts without compromising student privacy.
Final Thoughts
As student data privacy continues to evolve, staying informed on federal guidance like FERPA is essential. The 2025 updates offer timely clarification on schools’ legal obligations and practical ways to ensure safe, compliant environments. By combining awareness of current laws with thoughtful selection of tools and policies, school leaders can support both safety and privacy in their communities.
