Your Filing Cabinet Is a Liability
That stack of ABC data sheets from three years ago? It is either a legally required record or a privacy risk that should have been destroyed.
FERPA Basics for Behavior Data
What FERPA Requires
- Right to access: Parents can inspect and review all education records
- Right to request amendments: Parents can challenge record accuracy
- Consent for disclosure: Records cannot be shared without consent
Official Records vs. Working Documents
Official Education Records
- Finalized FBAs and BIPs
- IEP documents with behavior goals
- Formal disciplinary records
Must be retained per district policy
Working Documents
- Daily data collection sheets
- Draft FBA observations
- Personal anecdotal notes
May be destroyed when no longer needed
Protect Students, Protect Yourself
Good data management is not bureaucracy - it is student protection. Take time this year to establish systems that serve both goals.
Take Action
Put what you've learned into practice with these resources.
Key Takeaways
- Understand FERPA requirements for behavior data retention and access
- Distinguish between official records and working documents
- Create organized digital and physical archives for required documentation
- Implement secure data destruction practices for eligible records
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About the Author
Dr. Sarah Mitchell consists of former Special Education Teachers and BCBAs who are passionate about leveraging technology to reduce teacher burnout and improve student outcomes.
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