What must an educator ensure when handling student records?

An educator must ensure that student records are kept confidential and shared only with written consent. This is crucial for maintaining the privacy and trust of students and their families. Confidentiality in student records is often protected by laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in the United States, which mandates that schools protect students' educational information and only release it under specific circumstances.

By requiring written consent before sharing any student information, educators can respect the students' rights and uphold professional ethical standards. This approach not only protects the students’ personal information but also fosters a safe and secure educational environment, allowing students and parents to feel confident that their private information is handled responsibly.

Other options, such as storing records indefinitely or sharing them without consent, undermine the legal protections and ethical considerations surrounding personal data. Additionally, while electronic filing can be a method of record-keeping, it does not inherently ensure confidentiality or compliance with data protection laws, which emphasizes the importance of consent regardless of the medium.