School records are documents that contain information about a student's academic and personal history while they are enrolled in a school. These records are used by schools to track a student's progress and make decisions about their education, and they are also used for various other purposes such as enrolling in higher education or applying for jobs.
The length of time that school records are kept can vary depending on the type of record and the laws and regulations that apply to the school or district. In general, school records are kept for a certain period of time after a student graduates or leaves the school.
One type of school record that is often kept for a longer period of time is the permanent record. Permanent records typically include a student's transcripts, which list their grades and courses completed, as well as other information such as their attendance records and disciplinary records. These records are often kept by schools for several years, and in some cases, they may be kept indefinitely.
Other types of school records, such as temporary records or special education records, may have shorter retention periods. Temporary records may include documents that are used for a specific purpose and are no longer needed after a certain time, while special education records may be kept for a specific period of time as required by law.
In the United States, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) sets forth guidelines for the maintenance and disclosure of student records. Under FERPA, schools must keep student records for at least five years after the student graduates or leaves the school. However, schools may choose to keep records for a longer period of time if they are deemed to be of ongoing value to the student or the school.
It is important for schools to carefully manage and store school records, as they contain sensitive and personal information about students. Schools should ensure that records are kept secure and confidential, and should follow the appropriate laws and regulations when it comes to retaining and disposing of records.
In summary, the length of time that school records are kept can vary depending on the type of record and the laws and regulations that apply. Permanent records, such as transcripts, are often kept for several years or indefinitely, while temporary records or special education records may have shorter retention periods. It is important for schools to properly manage and store school records to ensure the confidentiality and security of student information.