South Central Area Special Education Cooperative 

Accessing And Amending Students Records

 

A parent, custodial or noncustodial alike, may inspect and review any and all student educational records which are collected, maintained or used by SCASEC. This includes all school building records, special education records, including test protocols. Parents can only be denied access to their child's records if the school or special education office receives written notice that a court order has terminated or restricted the parent's access to the records. At age 18, these rights pass onto the students unless the student has had a guardian appointed by the court.

The right to review and inspect educational records includes the right to an explanation and interpretation of the record by school personnel and the right to receive copies of the records. The request to inspect or review records must be made to the school principal or director of special education. The parents request for a student's records must be submitted in writing. The school and SCASEC must comply with a request to review the student's educational record:

• Without unnecessary delay;

• Before any meeting regarding an IEP or due process hearing; and,

• In no case more than 45 days after the request is made.

SCASEC and the school should keep a record of each access to, disclosure of, personally identifiable information from the educational record of each student. The record of access is kept with the educational record. The access and disclosure includes:

 

• The name of the person gaining access to the record or receiving personally identifiable information from the record.

• The date of access or disclosure

• The reason the person is gaining access to the record.

If a parent believes that information contained in the student's educational records is inaccurate or misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, they may request in writing that the school amend the information. This request should be submitted to the director of special education within ten days of the request. The director will contact the parent regarding whether their request is approved or denied.