Can I review my child's educational records?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parents have important rights to access and review their child's education records. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents generally have the right to inspect and review education records maintained by a school, subject to certain exceptions. IDEA also provides parents of children with disabilities specific rights to inspect and review records relating to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, and provision of FAPE.

Why should I review my child's records?

Records help you understand what the school knows, what information the team is using, and how decisions about your child are being made. They can also help you see patterns that may not be obvious from an IEP alone. You may want to review records such as:

• Evaluations and assessment results

• IEPs and previous versions

• Progress reports and progress-monitoring data

• Classroom assessments and work samples

• Behavior data and disciplinary records

• Attendance information

• Intervention records

• Service or therapy documentation

• Teacher observations and reports

• Communications or other records maintained as education records

The goal isn't to "look for something the school did wrong." It is to make sure parents and the school team are working from the same complete picture of the student.

What should I look for?

As you review the records, ask: "Does this information accurately describe my child?" Then consider:

• Does the information reflect what I see at home and what my child experiences at school?

• Are there patterns in academic performance, behavior, or progress?

• Does the data support the current IEP goals and services?

• Are there areas of need that aren't being addressed?

• Is information being used to support decisions about my child's education?

• Is there information the team may need to discuss or better understand?

How do I request my child's records?

You can make a written request to the school or district for access to your child's education records. Keep a copy of your request and note when you submitted it. Schools must follow applicable federal and state requirements regarding access and timelines. If you aren't sure what records to request, you can ask:

> "Please provide me with access to my child's education records maintained by the school, including records relevant to their evaluation, IEP, services, progress, behavior, and educational placement."

*Same Team approach:* Information creates understanding. When parents understand the information being used to make decisions — and the school understands what parents are seeing and experiencing — everyone has a better opportunity to identify the right solutions. Reviewing records isn't about building a case against the school. It's about making sure everyone sitting at the table has the information needed to make informed decisions for the child.

Can I review my child's educational records?

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