While school leaders are granted broad powers in the United States to fulfill their job duties a ...

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  While school leaders are granted broad powers in the United States to fulfill their job duties and create a structured educational system, these powers are not absolute. Courts have historically given such authority under reasonable necessity to maintain order, advance the educational process, and operate the daily nuances of a school. However, courts have also been clear that school and district leaders are required to provide sufficient justification to balance and protect the constitutional rights of students.  Educators at the secondary and post-secondary levels must ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).   What rights does FERPA provide for students? What rights does it provide families? What are some common situations in which educators might be at risk for unintentionally violating FERPA?