Consenting to the release of educational information
When a training plan is approved, we ask the participant to sign a consent form allowing the training provider to disclose information related to their academic records to the Connecticut Department of Labor. This information is used for the purposes of federal program monitoring requirements.
In cases where we do not have the consent form, we ask your cooperation in obtaining this information, based on the following:
The Department recognizes that under the FERPA Act and regulations (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
School officials with legitimate educational interest;
- Other schools to which a student is transferring;
- Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
- Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
- Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
- Accrediting organizations;
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
- Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
- State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Given that the Connecticut Department of Labor, TAA program, has provided all or a substantial portion of financial aid in the form of payment of tuition and fees on behalf of the TAA participant, accordingly the Department falls within the above exception of “an appropriate party in connection with financial aid to a student”, and submit that we may receive the requested information, without prior consent of the student (TAA participant).
Information requested may include:
- Attendance records
- Grades, transcripts, report cards, progress reports
- Credentials earned, including copies of diplomas, degrees and certifications
- Financial records
If you have questions or additional assistance is needed, you may speak with the client’s counselor who made the referral to you, or you may contact the TAA Administration Unit at (860) 263-6070, or fax (860) 263-6631.