Applicable Records

• The act protects temporary and permanent student records. Permanent records include identifying information, such as birth dates and addresses, academic transcripts, attendance records, accident and health reports, honors and awards and participation in school activities and athletics. Temporary records include disciplinary infractions, intelligence and aptitude scores, documented teacher comments and special education records.
  
  

Time Restrictions

• All permanent student records, protected by the Illinois School Student Records Act, must be on file with the school for a minimum of 60 years following the student's attendance. Illinois schools are required to keep temporary records for only five years following a student's attendance within the district. If a student, parent or authorized guardian requests to view, inspect or copy records, the school must comply with documents within 15 days. Fees for copying, not to exceed 35 cents per page, may apply.
  
  

Student Access

• A student 18 and younger has the legal right to inspect and copy permanent records. Once a student reaches 18, graduates from high school or enters into military service, he can access the temporary records as well. Individual schools may allow students under 18 access to temporary records; however, these policies vary from school to school.
  
  

Parent Access

• Natural parents and legal guardians have the right to inspect both the permanent and temporary student records until the student reaches her 18th birthday, graduates from high school, enters into the military or legally marries. According to the law, parents and legal guardians must have written consent from the student or a court order to access student records after this point. All record requests must be processed through the appropriate school district.
  
  

Privacy and Disclosure

• The act stipulates that student records cannot be disclosed without a student or guardian's written consent. However, disclosures, such as a court order or an emergency situation, warrant access to student records. In addition, school personnel and the state Board of Education have rights to all student records if the information is needed to meet a child's educational needs. Students can also provide written consent to release records to employers, educational institutions and government officials.