CIPP/US Study Guide
Chapter 10: Education Privacy

PPRA and the No Child Left Behind Amendments

The PPRA (1978) amended FERPA to protect parents of minors over surveys collecting sensitive information and applies only to K-12 schools, not colleges. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 broadened it, adding policies, parental inspection, advance notice, and an opt-out for commercial-purpose data.

K-12 only

PPRA requirements apply to all K-12 schools that receive federal funding - the statute does not apply to colleges and universities. This is a key contrast with FERPA, which covers both.

PPRA gives parents of minors rights over surveys collecting sensitive information, including: political affiliations; mental and psychological problems; sex behavior and attitudes; illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of close family members; legally privileged relationships (lawyers, physicians, ministers); religious practices or beliefs; and income (other than that required to determine program eligibility).

  • Enact policies on collecting, disclosing, or using student personal information for commercial purposes
  • Allow parents to access and inspect surveys and commercial instruments before they are administered
  • Provide advance notice of the approximate dates of these activities
  • Provide parents the right to opt out of surveys or other sharing of student information for commercial purposes

Key terms - quick answers

What is “PPRA”?
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment of 1978, amending FERPA to give parents of minors rights over surveys collecting sensitive student information; applies only to K-12 schools.
What is “No Child Left Behind Act”?
A 2001 statute that broadened PPRA to limit collection and disclosure of student survey information and add commercial-purpose protections.