How should school psychologists handle parental requests for records?

School psychologists are required to comply with parental requests for access to records, reflecting the principles of transparency and collaboration in educational settings. According to legal and ethical guidelines, parents have the right to review their child's educational records, which includes any psychological evaluations, reports, and relevant documentation pertaining to their child's education and psychological wellbeing. By granting access, school psychologists promote an environment of trust and open communication, essential for fostering effective partnerships with families.

Providing access to records is also aligned with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student education records but also affirms the rights of parents to obtain access to those records. This access is crucial for parents to understand their child’s needs, participate meaningfully in their education, and collaborate effectively with educators and support staff.

The other choices do not align with the established ethical guidelines and legal requirements regarding access to educational records. Denying all requests or providing only summaries would undermine parental rights and hinder essential communication. Suggesting that it depends on the psychologist's discretion implies a level of subjective judgment that might fail to protect parental rights, reinforcing the standard of compliance as a fundamental practice.