Lisa: I live in Michigan, and want to get copies of a couple of tests that my son has taken in one of is elective classes (Health class). He is a special ed. student. My son’s teacher is stating that I can come in to view the tests, but I cannot have copies of the tests since they are “district tests”. Is this true, or does a law (such as FERPA) allow me to obtain actual copies of the tests from the school?
I think that FERPA allows for copies if you can show that you need them to participate in the IEP process. But if they are refusing to allow you to make a copy based on copyright law, then they are in disagreement with court rulings (jn CA I think) so the ultimate answer may depend on where you live. If it were me, I’d photograph the tests with my cell phone when I was allowed to view them.
I’m also interested about this issue in PA. We are told that the teachers dont want their tests to get into the hands of future students. Multiple teachers do not return tests and/or keeps them. Aren’t these part of the students records? Shouldn’t parents have access -without having to drive to the school each week to see the tests?