Under FERPA, what type of information can schools disclose without consent?

Schools can disclose directory information without consent under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Directory information typically includes items such as a student's name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, major field of study, and participation in officially recognized activities. FERPA allows educational institutions to designate certain information as directory information so that it can be shared without needing prior consent from the student or parents.

This provision is intended to facilitate communication and support various administrative and academic processes while still protecting a student's more sensitive and private educational records, which cannot be released without proper consent. This understanding is critical for balancing the need for information sharing in educational environments against privacy concerns, ensuring that only less sensitive information is disclosed freely.