What should a special education teacher do before granting access to a student's school records?

Obtaining written permission from the student's parents is crucial before granting access to a student's school records due to legal and ethical considerations surrounding privacy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) mandates that written consent must be obtained from a parent or eligible student before disclosing personally identifiable information contained in educational records. This ensures that the rights of students and their families are protected and that sensitive information is not shared without appropriate authorization.

By securing this consent, the special education teacher respects the family's right to control access to the student's educational information, thereby fostering trust and collaboration between the school and home. This step is fundamental for maintaining confidentiality and adhering to legal standards in education, which ultimately supports the student's best interests in an educational environment.