Educational records: Overview, definition, and example
What are educational records?
Educational records are documents that contain information about a student’s academic history, performance, and other personal details related to their education. These records may include grades, transcripts, attendance, disciplinary records, and other information maintained by a school, college, or educational institution. Educational records are usually protected by privacy laws to ensure that sensitive student information is not shared without permission.
In simpler terms, educational records are the official documents that track a student’s learning progress and personal details throughout their education.
Why are educational records important?
Educational records are important because they provide a detailed account of a student’s academic progress and achievements. They are used by educational institutions to track performance, make decisions about student advancement, and verify qualifications for graduation. Educational records are also essential for employers, colleges, or other organizations that may require proof of a student’s academic background.
For SMB owners, understanding educational records is important if your business involves hiring or training individuals, as these records can help verify qualifications and inform decisions regarding employment or promotions.
Understanding educational records through an example
Imagine you are hiring a new employee for your company and require proof of their qualifications. The candidate provides you with their educational records, which include their high school diploma and university transcripts showing their grades and courses completed. These records confirm the candidate’s educational background and provide you with the information needed to assess their qualifications for the role.
In this example, educational records serve as a formal verification of the candidate's academic achievements and qualifications.
Example of educational records clause
Here’s an example of what an educational records clause might look like in an agreement or policy:
“The Company agrees to maintain all educational records of employees in accordance with privacy and confidentiality laws. Educational records will only be shared with authorized personnel or entities when required for employment purposes, with the written consent of the employee or student.”
Conclusion
Educational records are crucial documents that track a student’s academic history and performance. For SMB owners, understanding how to manage and verify educational records helps ensure that qualifications are verified and that sensitive information is handled properly. Whether you’re hiring new employees or verifying qualifications for professional development, educational records play a key role in making informed, legally compliant decisions.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.