Reply to MCPS policy on not returning quizzes, tests and exams to students

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Reply to "MCPS policy on not returning quizzes, tests and exams to students"

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[quote=Anonymous]FERPA, people.  Know it and love it.  FERPA is the Federal Education and Privacy Rights Act.  Since it's a federal law, MCPS MUST comply with it.  FERPA gives you and your child the right to inspect and review the student's educational record.  An educational record includes basically anything that your student's name is attached to, which includes ALL tests, ALL graded assignments (I presume ungraded assignments end up in the student's possession), a copy of the grade or assessment entries made by the teacher under your child's name, etc.

You have a right to "review and inspect" these records, which means that not only do you have a right to see test answers, but where the test booklet includes your child's name, you must be allowed to see the test booklet.  Even if the test booklet is separate and not identifiable to your child, you have a right to an explanation from the school about the meaning of the answer sheet/test score and this should include reviewing the test booklet with you.  See Wrightslaw for more info on this subject -- http://www.fetaweb.com/04/ferpa.summary.htm

In MCPS, the issue of test security and FERPA compliance is handled by providing the parent in person access to the test instrument but asking the parent to sign a non-disclosure form prior to showing the test instrument.

I have been turned down by individual teachers frequently when asking to see my child's test booklet or a copy of the test questions and specific answers my child chose plus answer key.

BUT, I have NEVER been turned down when I have subsequently raised the request to the level of the principal, made it in writing, referenced FERPA and noted that I am willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Your child can go in by themselves to see the test if you think they'll get anything out of it.  Or you can make an appointment to see it with them (or without them).

Fight the power.  MCPS's test policy is ridiculous, but as long as very few people actually request to see the exams, they will continue.

Can you imagine what would happen if dozens or hundreds of parents at one school consistently asked to see tests over the course of one year.  I'd be willing to bet that the "no givebacks" test policy would change pretty quickly.

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