Notice for FERPA Directory Information

Ottumwa Community School District

FERPA Directory Information

FERPA defines “directory information” as information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.  Typically, “directory information” includes information such as name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and dates of attendance.  A school may disclose “directory information” to third parties without consent if it has given public notice of the types of information which it has designated as “directory information,” the parent’s or eligible student’s right to restrict the disclosure of such information, and the period of time within which a parent or eligible student has to notify the school in writing that he or she does not want any or all of those types of information designated as “directory information.”  The means of notification could include publication in various sources, including a newsletter, in a local newspaper, or in the student handbook.  The school could also include the “directory information” notification as part of the general notification of rights under FERPA.  The school does not have to notify a parent or eligible student individually (34 CFR § 99.37.)