There has long been a myth surrounding the permanent record for students in school. Is it really permanent? Will it greatly affect your future? What does it include? Here, we'll answer those questions and debunk the myth of the permanent record by exploring its function, characteristics, and lifespan.
The Permanent Record
If you're like many students, you've probably heard these (or similar) words from a teacher or another school staff member a time or two: ''I'm putting this on your permanent record!''
Yikes! The thought of all the less-than-desirable things you've done throughout your academic career compiled in one permanent location is enough to scare even the boldest students at least a little bit. And perhaps even scarier is the idea that this permanent record is something that could end up in anyone's hands and detrimentally affect your future!
However, do you really know if that permanent record is real, or is it just a myth that's been carried on over the years to keep students in line? In this post, we'll debunk the myth of the permanent record, otherwise known as the student record or education record, and explore what it really entails.
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Real or Myth?
Okay, time to set the record straight. According to the U.S. Department of Education, education records technically aren't a myth, but they are certainly less scary than previously thought. The 'permanent record' in question is actually a customary record kept for all students who are currently attending, or have attended, a public, parochial, or private school.
Many times, these records are simply the forms that parents fill out at the beginning of each school year, which contain personal identifying information for their student, including name, address, phone number, parent names and contact information. Student records commonly also include details such as class grades, important test scores, attendance records, health and immunization information, discipline records, special awards conferred, previous schools attended, and so on. In other words, these 'permanent records' are typically just a log of various information that is unique to each student.
Student records do not, I repeat DO NOT, exist solely to keep track of all the terrible (or not so terrible) things you've done during your school years. Those things may be present on your record, but they're by no means the reason for its existence. You can breathe a little easier!
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Does It Really Last Forever?
So now that we've got a solid understanding of what a permanent record actually is, let's move on to the myth of its lifespan: Is it really permanent? Probably not.
The truth is that schools usually aren't required by federal law to hang on to student records for any specific amount of time. State laws may dictate how long a school should keep records, but many times, records are destroyed once a student is no longer enrolled or graduates. However, we mustn't confuse these records with high school transcripts, which are generally kept for many years for college entrance purposes.
Now that we know a permanent record isn't necessarily permanent, let's take a minute to address the myth that anyone and their brother can access it.
Can Anyone Access My Record?
Many students are led to believe that their record is available to anyone who wants to see it— police officers, future employers, friends, etc. But fortunately, that is just another myth!
In fact, there's actually a federal act—the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)—that protects the privacy of students and confidentiality of their records. Yes, student records are confidential, which means under normal circumstances, only parents or guardians can access them or give others consent to access them. Once a student turns 18 or enrolls in college, they can then access their record.
Keep in mind there are exceptions to the FERPA regulations, such as when a student transfers schools. In a case like that, the records will likely be transferred to the new school. Other instances when consent isn't necessarily required include health emergencies and court proceedings or subpoenas.
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Final Considerations
Alas, the myth of the permanent record has been debunked! Although student records will contain personal information and possibly make note of disciplinary problems, students can rest a little easier knowing that their every move isn't being recorded in a permanent location for the whole world to see.
Interested in learning more about student rights? Be sure to check out Study.com's vast collection of social science courses.