What is the primary focus of the rights provided under FERPA?

The primary focus of the rights provided under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of student records. This federal law grants parents and eligible students the right to access their educational records, request amendments to those records, and control the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the records. The intent is to protect students' sensitive information and ensure that it is kept secure from unauthorized access, which is vital in fostering a safe learning environment and upholding individuals' privacy rights.

While access to education, funding for educational programs, and addressing achievement gaps are all important aspects of the educational landscape, they are not the central focus of FERPA. The act specifically centers on how educational institutions manage student records and the rights that students and parents have regarding those records, which is crucial for maintaining trust in educational systems.