Final answer:
When a student turns 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level, their FERPA rights transfer from their parents to themselves, giving them control over their educational records and decisions regarding who has access to them.
Step-by-step explanation:
FERPA Rights at High School Level and Beyond
When a student turns 18 or attends a school beyond high school level, their Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) rights transfer from their parents to themselves. This means they are in full control of their educational records and have the right to decide who will have access to those records. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents specific rights regarding their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student, or ‘eligible student,’ when they turn 18 or attend a postsecondary institution at any age. Postsecondary institutions are often defined as colleges, universities, and vocational schools. The shift of FERPA rights includes the right to inspect and review their education record, the right to request that a school correct records the student believes are misleading or inaccurate, and the right to a formal hearing if the school refuses to amend the record. Moreover, 'directory information' such as a student's name, address, phone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance can be released by the school without consent unless the student opts out.
It's important to note that if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes, some rights, such as the ability to access the student's education records, may remain with the parents. Students must also provide consent for schools to disclose any personally identifiable information from their education records, with certain legal exceptions. This transition represents a significant step in the journey towards full adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. Similarly, at this age, students are also expected to socialize into other adult roles, such as registering for the Selective Service or understanding how to navigate adult legal rights and responsibilities.