Tennessee schools frequently face disputes between divorced parents over access to student records and control of educational decisions. The key to compliance lies in distinguishing information access (governed by FERPA) from decision authority (controlled by the Permanent Parenting Plan). This guide walks LEAs through the laws, responsibilities, and best practices for avoiding liability while protecting student privacy.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools have a duty to protect the privacy of all students. However, more often than not, parent request to view video footage is denied citing FERPA. The law is for the protection of the student and but such protections were not intended to keep information from the parents of child in certain circumstances.