An academic-record release is the copy of an education file a school discloses. FERPA (20 U.S.C. §1232g) protects a student's information and limits who may see it without consent. anonym.plus marks that PII on your own device before you share it.
When this applies
A request asks for learner files for research or an audit. The pages name each pupil, hold grades and IDs, and name classmates too.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the education file in anonym.plus on your device.
- The tool flags pupil names, IDs, and contacts.
- Keep directory fields only if FERPA allows it.
- Mark protected PII for removal.
- Swap or black out each one, then review the file.
- Save the cleared copy on your machine.
What you need to provide
- The education file (PDF, DOCX, CSV, or scan).
- An operator: Redact for protected fields.
- Optional allow-list for permitted directory entries.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | pupil name → [STUDENT] |
| Identifiers | NATIONAL_ID | enrolment ID → [ID] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | DOB → [DOB] |
| Contact | EMAIL_ADDRESS | campus email → [EMAIL] |
| Location | LOCATION | home address → [ADDRESS] |
| Names | PERSON | parent name → [PARENT] |
Compliance achieved
- Protects learner records under FERPA (20 U.S.C. §1232g).
- Hides protected PII while permitted directory fields can stay.
- Offline work keeps the education file inside the school.
- 340+ entity types catch IDs, contacts, and dates.
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Limitations & cautions
FERPA's directory and consent rules are a legal judgment. The tool flags personal PII but cannot tell what your school designated as public. A parent may have opted out. Confirm the policy before you release.
Frequently asked questions
What does FERPA protect?
Personally identifiable information in a pupil's education records. Disclosure usually needs consent. anonym.plus flags that PII so you release only what is allowed.
Can directory entries stay in the release?
Sometimes, if the school designated them and the learner did not opt out. Use an allow-list to keep permitted directory fields.
Does it read a grades spreadsheet?
Yes. CSV and XLSX files are scanned column by column, so names and IDs in tables are flagged.