Frequently Asked Questions about ODE's release of student data to DRO

September 3, 2014 / education

Download a PDF version of this document: Special Education: Release of Student Information Regarding Doe v. State of Ohio

 

Why does Disability Rights Ohio need this information?

Disability Rights Ohio, on behalf of students with disabilities, filed a class action lawsuit (Doe v. State of Ohio) that claims the State of Ohio does not provide enough resources to school districts to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, as required by federal law.

 

What student information is included in this release of data?

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) will provide the information listed in the court order. This information will be provided to DRO in a general manner. For example, information like the following would be included: demographic information (including school, grade, gender, race, age, disability category), attendance statistics, information on suspensions and expulsions, state test results (such as Ohio Graduation Tests, the Ohio Achievement Assessments, and Third Grade Reading Guarantee).

 

What information will NOT be included?

No personal information, such as individual student’s names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, will be included.

 

How will this information be protected?

This information is protected by court order and may not be shared for purposes outside of this case. This means that the information can only be used for this specific case. Information cannot be used for any other case, or for any other purpose. Information cannot be provided to anyone who is not associated with this case, and this information must be stored securely.

 

How can a parent or guardian obtain additional information about this issue?

If you have questions about this issue and want more information, you may contact DRO’s intake line at 1-800-282-9181, menu option 2.

 

What if a parent or guardian objects to the release of this information?

If you have no objection to the release of this information, no action is required of you. However, if you do object to the disclosure of this information and you want to inform the judge of your opinion, you must do all of the following:

Write a letter to the judge telling him what you object to;

On the first page of your letter, write in large or underlined letters: “OBJECTIONS TO DISCLOSURE OF FERPA INFORMATION IN DOE V. STATE, Case No. 91-464”

Mail your letter to:

Clerk’s Office: Judge Watson’s Docket, U.S. Courthouse, 85 Marconi Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215

Objections must be received no later than September 12, 2014.