When do you need consent to share student info? - You may be surprised

Do you think you need consent to
use a student's photo?

Innovative educators use digital resources such as social media and other online spaces with students, so it’s important that they know when it is necessary to notify students and families when their information is shared and when consent is needed.  

“Many parents, teachers, and school personnel are convinced that the release of names, addresses, or phone numbers is “against the law,” a firmly held belief which has circulated so widely that it is generally assumed to be true. Thus, the release of names or phone numbers—even to a PTA committee or classroom parent—may generate confusion or controversy within the school community.” Releasing Student Information: What’s Public and What’s Not, Huges - School Law Bulletin p. 19

The answer is such information can be released as long as the school has notified parents and students annually of their rights and has allowed them a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them.

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