What happens to case notes if they are shared with others?

The chosen answer indicates that when case notes are shared with others, they may be classified as educational records. This is significant because educational records are subject to specific regulations under laws such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). According to FERPA, educational records include any records that are maintained about a student and directly relate to the student. When case notes are shared with individuals outside the counseling context, they typically fall under this definition, which means they may no longer maintain their original confidential status.

When case notes remain strictly between the school counselor and the student, they often retain their confidentiality. However, once those notes are shared—whether with other educators, administration, or external parties—they acquire a different status and may become part of the educational record that the school is required to manage and protect according to privacy laws.

Understanding this principle is crucial for school counselors as it highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality and being aware of how the sharing of information can impact a student's privacy and their rights under educational regulations.