Several amendments to the Illinois State Board of Education’s regulations implementing the Illinois School Student Records Act (“ISSRA”) went into effect on March 15, 2018 (23 Ill.Adm.Code Part 375, Student Records).
The amended regulations removed “gender” as one of the types of identifying information about a student that can be designated as “directory information” by a school district. 23 Ill.Adm.Code 375.80. This change brings the ISBE Student Records regulations is line with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), which does not include gender as directory information.
Another change to the ISBE Student Records regulations was to the definition of “student permanent record” to remove class rank and State assessment scores from a student’s academic transcript. This amendment was the result of Public Act 100-222, which removed the requirement that such information is to be included on a student’s transcript. (Note: State assessment scores must still be maintained as part of a student’s record.)
Although State assessment scores are now not required to be on a student’s academic transcript, a student’s score(s) on college entrance exams (which may be given as the State assessment for 11th graders) may be included on a student’s academic transcript if allowed by district policy. If inclusion of a student’s score(s) on college entrance exams on a student’s academic transcript is allowed by district policy, the district’s student records notification must inform students and parents/guardians of the right and process to request, in writing, the inclusion on the student’s academic transcript of one or more scores received on college entrance examinations. 23 Ill.Adm.Code 375.10, 375.30.
Based on these recent amendments (and other technical amendments) to the ISBE Student Records regulations, school districts will need to review their student records policies and procedures, and update their notices regarding student records and directory information.
For school districts that subscribe to the IASB PRESS policy service, it is anticipated that updates to Policy 7:340, Student Records, and the applicable administrative procedure and exhibit will be included in the late spring PRESS update. In addition, HLERK’s Student Handbook Checklist for 2018 has been updated to reflect the recent amendments as well. Please click HERE for our Order Form.
Please contact Jennifer Mueller with questions regarding student records.
