Which type of information may schools disclose to researchers without consent?

The ability of schools to disclose certain types of information without consent hinges on the concept of "directory information." This term typically encompasses information that is not considered harmful or invasive if released and includes details such as a student’s name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and even major field of study. The rationale behind allowing schools to share directory information without requiring explicit consent is that this information is generally already publicly available and does not compromise student privacy.

In contrast, personal identifying information, health records, and academic performance records are protected under various privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These categories contain sensitive information that could lead to privacy violations if disclosed without consent, emphasizing the need for stricter controls on how and when they can be shared. Therefore, the distinction lies in the level of sensitivity associated with the information, rendering directory information permissible for disclosure without consent.