Purpose
Empowered Scholars is committed to safeguarding the privacy of student education records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) and applicable Washington State laws, including RCW 28A.605 and WAC 392-172A.
Definitions
– Education Records: Records that are directly related to a student and maintained by Empowered Scholars or a party acting on its behalf.
– Eligible Student: A student who has reached 18 years of age or is attending a postsecondary institution.
– Directory Information: Information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.
Student Rights Under FERPA
Students and parents/guardians have the right to:
1. Inspect and Review – Request access to the student’s education records maintained by Empowered Scholars.
2. Request Amendment – Seek correction of records believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s privacy rights.
3. Consent to Disclosures – Control the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records, except as authorized by law.
4. File a Complaint – Lodge a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Empowered Scholars to comply with FERPA requirements.
Disclosure of Education Records
Empowered Scholars will not disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education records without prior written consent, except in circumstances permitted by FERPA and Washington State law, such as:
– School Officials – To school officials with legitimate educational interests.
– Other Schools – To other schools where the student seeks or intends to enroll.
– Legal Requirements – To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
– Health and Safety Emergencies – To appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.
Directory Information
Empowered Scholars may disclose directory information without prior consent unless a parent or eligible student has advised the school to the contrary in accordance with school procedures.
Annual Notification
Empowered Scholars will notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. This notification will include information on how to:
– Inspect and review education records
– Request amendment of records
– Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information
– File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
Complaint Procedure
Complaints regarding violations of rights under FERPA may be submitted to:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520