This memorandum discusses the major legal issues related to the confidentiality of students' school records, stressing in particular the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Major provisions of the act are summarized, and guidelines are offered to aid school officials in complying with the act's requirements. Separate sections of the memorandum focus in turn on the background of the act, access to student records by parents and pupils, release of student records to persons other than pupils and their parents, publication of a student records policy, and principals' liabilities for improper administration of student records. A sample consent form authorizing the release of student records is also included. (JG)