School records are an important part of a student's educational history, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. These records may include transcripts, test scores, disciplinary records, and other information that is relevant to a student's academic career. So, how long are school records kept? The answer to this question varies depending on the type of school and the specific laws and regulations that apply to it.
In general, school records are kept for a set period of time after a student graduates or leaves the school. This period is known as the "retention period," and it is established by the school or district in accordance with state and federal laws. The retention period for school records is typically set by the state education department or a similar agency, and it may vary from state to state.
For example, some states have laws that require school records to be kept for a certain number of years after a student graduates or leaves the school. In other states, the retention period may be set by the school or district itself, as long as it meets the minimum requirements established by state law.
In addition to state laws, federal laws may also regulate the retention of school records. For example, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, schools are required to maintain the confidentiality of student records and to provide students with access to their records upon request.
There are also a number of other factors that can influence how long school records are kept. For example, some schools may have policies that require records to be kept for a certain number of years after a student graduates or leaves the school, regardless of state or federal laws. Additionally, schools may have different retention periods for different types of records. For example, transcripts and test scores may be kept for a longer period of time than disciplinary records or other types of records.
In summary, the retention period for school records can vary depending on the type of school, the specific laws and regulations that apply to it, and other factors. In general, however, school records are kept for a set period of time after a student graduates or leaves the school, and they may be kept for a longer period of time if required by state or federal law.