According to FERPA provisions, when can schools furnish student records without consent?

Schools can furnish student records without consent in certain specific scenarios, including when the request is made by individuals or organizations conducting studies on behalf of the school. This provision is critical as it allows educational institutions to evaluate and improve their programs and services while still upholding privacy regulations.

Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), this practice is only permissible if the party conducting the study ensures that the information is used solely for the purposes of the study and that individual student identities remain protected. This exception recognizes the importance of research and evaluation in improving educational outcomes while still adhering to the privacy rights of students.

In contrast, situations involving emergencies, law enforcement investigations, or direct requests by students do not fit this specific framework for releasing student records without consent, as each of those scenarios has different guidelines regarding privacy and consent.