FERPA/PPRA
Garfield 16 is committed to protecting the confidentiality of student information obtained, created, and/or maintained by the District. Student privacy and the District's use of confidential student information are protected by the federal and state law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Student Data Transparency and Security Act (the Act). The Board directs District staff to manage its student data privacy, protection, and security obligations in accordance with this policy and applicable law.
Educational Records
Educational records include personally identifiable information about a student such as grades, attendance, assessment scores, discipline records, health records, and individualized education plans (IEPs). Only school employees with legitimate educational interest may access, in full or in part, a student's educational record.
Request for Educational Records
Parents/guardians and students 18 years of age and older may access student educational records upon request. The parents/guardians and student 18 years of age or older must provide consent for a third party to access a student's educational record.
Disclosure to a Third Party
Garfield 16 may contract with a third party vendor for educational services, such as Infinite Campus, Canvas, etc. The District and the contractor enter into an agreement that ensures the third party provider has safeguards against any data breaches of students' personally identifiable information.
Other third parties may request educational records or personally identifiable information. Reference policy JRA/JRC for the list of third parties to whom the District may disclose this information.
Directory of Information
When requested, the District does release directory information. Directory information includes student's name, email address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, degrees, honors and awards received, the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the students, and other similar information. Parents/guardians and a student 18 years of age or older may request in writing that the student's directory information is not released.
Collection of Information
Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), parents/guardians have the right to receive notice, provide informed consent, and/or opt-out of their student's participation in a survey that collects personal information or conducts a non-emergency screening. Reference policy JLDAC-E for additional information.