# Respond to a student records request under FERPA

Works out whether to release student records, what to redact, what to log, and drafts the response letter.

- Topic: Legal & Compliance
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Education, Legal, Explain & Teach, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/respond-to-a-student-records-request-under-ferpa

## Prompt

```text
Help me handle a request for student education records.

**Who is asking:** [e.g. "non-custodial parent", "eligible student (18+)", "receiving school", "police officer", "attorney with subpoena"]
**What they want:** [RECORDS REQUESTED]
**Student's age and level:** [K-12 or postsecondary; under or over 18]
**Documents I have:** [e.g. custody order, signed consent, subpoena, none]
**Our directory information policy and opt-outs:** [SUMMARY or "unknown"]
**Urgency claimed:** [e.g. "says it is an emergency"]

Walk me through:
1. Whether the requester has a right to inspect, needs written consent, or fits a FERPA exception (school official with legitimate educational interest, transfer to another school, subpoena or court order, health or safety emergency, directory information). Say which applies and why.
2. Whether rights have transferred to the student (age 18 or enrolled in postsecondary).
3. What must be redacted, especially other students' information.
4. What to record in the disclosure log.
5. Response timing under FERPA, plus any stricter state rule marked [CONFIRM].
6. Red flags that mean pause and call counsel (conflicting custody papers, a subpoena that bars notifying the family, sealed or special education records).

Then draft the reply letter (approve, partially approve, or deny) with the basis stated plainly.

This is general information, not legal advice. State privacy, special education, and health records laws can add requirements; check with your legal counsel or records officer before releasing anything.
```

## What to fill in

- RECORDS REQUESTED
- K-12 or postsecondary; under or over 18
- e.g. custody order, signed consent, subpoena, none
- SUMMARY or "unknown"
- e.g. "says it is an emergency"
- CONFIRM

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