What is the timeframe a school must provide requested student records according to FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) stipulates that educational institutions must respond to requests for access to student records within a specific timeframe. According to FERPA, schools are required to provide the requested records within 45 days of receiving a request from a parent or eligible student. This timeframe ensures that individuals can access important educational information in a reasonably prompt manner.

School districts must also maintain the confidentiality of these records while processing requests, which is crucial for protecting student privacy. Understanding this timeframe helps educators and parents maintain awareness of their rights under FERPA regarding student records and the necessary procedures involved in accessing those records.