Overview
Access to school records allows families and community members to track their students’ academic progress, including grades, attendance, and test scores. By reviewing student records, parents and community members can identify areas where their students may be struggling or excelling, enabling them to provide and advocate for appropriate support and encouragement.
The following public sources can be accessed by families and community members (but access may vary according to state and district policies):
Enrollment records contain information about a student's enrollment status, including their name, date of birth, grade level, and enrollment dates.
Attendance records provide details about a student's attendance, including the number of days present, tardiness, and absences.
Report cards provide information about a student's academic performance.
Transcripts document a student's academic progress over time, including courses taken, grades received, credits earned, and any honors or awards received.
Standardized test scores can provide an overview of a student's performance in comparison to national or state standards. Standardized test scores include state assessments or college entrance exams (e.g., SAT, ACT).
Individual Education Plans (IEPs) provide parents of students receiving special education services with an outline of specific goals, accommodations, and support services that will be provided to meet their student’s educational needs.
Disciplinary records document any disciplinary actions or incidents involving a student, such as suspensions, expulsions, or behavioral interventions.
Parent portals or student information systems provide parents with access to student data tracked by the school. These systems allow parents to view important information about their child's academic progress, attendance, assignments, grades, and other relevant data. Families can contact their school to inquire about whether such a system is available and how to gain access.
Communication with teachers can provide pertinent updates on a student’s classroom progress and enable parents to discuss concerns and offer suggestions for supporting their child’s education.
Parent-teacher meetings are typically scheduled by the school and provide an opportunity to discuss a student’s academic progress, strengths, areas for improvement, and any other relevant information. These meetings allow families to have direct conversations with teachers and gain a deeper understanding of their child's educational journey.
Other public sources to access student records include national databases (e.g, Education Recovery Scorecard, USA Facts, USDE Office of Civil Rights Data Collection).
Under FERPA (Family Education Rights & Privacy Act), families have the right to request data pertaining to their child. However, it is important to note that the specific availability and accessibility of student records may vary depending on local laws, educational policies, and the type of school the child is attending (i.e., elementary, middle, or high school). Families and community members should consult their student’s school or district leadership to better understand the procedures and requirements for accessing public student records.
