How to Access Your Child's School Records in Texas: A Parent's Guide

Legal Q + A

Feb 28

Written By Graham Settleman

A Breakdown of Parental Rights Under Texas Law

every industry needs a leader

•

empower the leader in you

•

every industry needs a leader • empower the leader in you •

In Texas, parents generally have a fundamental right to access their child's educational records. This right is rooted in both federal and state law, primarily the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Texas Education Code.

FERPA and Parental Rights

FERPA is a federal law that grants parents certain rights with respect to their child's education records. These rights include:

Right to Inspect and Review: Parents have the right to inspect and review their child's education records. This includes academic records, disciplinary records, and any other records maintained by the school.
Right to Request Amendment: If parents believe that their child's education records are inaccurate, misleading, or violate their privacy rights, they can request that the school amend the records.
Right to Consent to Disclosure: Generally, schools cannot disclose personally identifiable information from a student's education records without the parent's consent. However, there are exceptions, such as for school officials with a legitimate educational interest.

Texas Education Code and Parental Rights

The Texas Education Code further reinforces parental rights to access their child's school records. It provides specific procedures for parents to request access to records and outlines the timeframe within which schools must respond to such requests.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS + FINANCE WITH KIRUNIVERSITY

The Financial Literacy Crisis: Why Our Schools Are Failing Our Youth

Only 31% of young Americans feel financially prepared. 😱 Discover why financial literacy is crucial and how to bridge the gap.

Money Matters: Why Financial Education is Essential for Everyone

Are you making the most of your money? Find out why financial literacy is crucial for individuals and economies.

The Financial Stress Epidemic: Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Are you one of the 77% of Americans feeling financially anxious? Discover the root causes and practical steps to alleviate stress and achieve financial stability.

Limitations and Exceptions

While parents have a strong right to access their child's school records, there are some limitations and exceptions. For example, schools may withhold certain records if they believe that disclosure would harm the student or others. Additionally, once a student reaches the age of majority (18 in Texas), the student generally has the right to access their own records, and parental consent is no longer required.

Practical Tips for Parents

To ensure smooth access to their child's school records, parents should:

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with both FERPA and the Texas Education Code to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Submit Written Requests: It is generally best to submit written requests for access to school records. This helps create a clear record of the request and the school's response.
Be Specific: When requesting records, be as specific as possible about the types of records you are seeking.
Follow Up: If you do not receive a timely response from the school, follow up with a written or verbal inquiry.
Consider Legal Counsel: If you encounter significant obstacles in accessing your child's school records, consulting with an attorney may be helpful.

By understanding their rights and taking proactive steps, parents can effectively exercise their right to access their child's school records and ensure their child's educational success.

Information published to or by The Industry Leader will never constitute legal, financial or business advice of any kind, nor should it ever be misconstrued or relied on as such. For individualized support for yourself or your business, we strongly encourage you to seek appropriate counsel.