What is one key legal requirement for school counselors regarding student records?

Maintaining confidentiality in accordance with FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a crucial legal requirement for school counselors regarding student records. FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and grants parents and eligible students the right to access those records. School counselors must ensure that personal and academic information about students is kept confidential and is only shared in compliance with legal guidelines. This means that counselors must be diligent in safeguarding student data and only disclosing pertinent information to authorized individuals or under specific conditions outlined by the law.

In contrast, while maintaining an open-door policy can foster communication, it does not relate directly to legal requirements regarding student records. Reviewing records with teachers may be part of collaboration in education, but it is not mandated by law and must still adhere to privacy laws. Sharing records with parents is not an absolute requirement at all times, as there are instances when confidentiality must take precedence based on the best interests of students and compliance with legal standards.