Category B Data
Category B data includes verified information, which is important in helping the child or in protecting others but which is not absolutely necessary to do so. This data is described in §2.2 of Exhibit A of Chapter 12 of 22 Pa Code. School officials should exercise great care in ensuring the accuracy of this data with specific attention paid to reported behavior patterns and specific incidents that become part of a continuing record. School systems should consider elimination of unnecessary data at periodic intervals such as transitions from one school level to another school level. When the student leaves school, these records either should be destroyed or "retained only under conditions of anonymity" if used for research purposes. Such records "should be kept under lock and key at all times, under the supervision of the designated personnel." Formal procedures should be established that allow parents or students to challenge the validity of any information contained in this category. There should be an annual review of all data retained in this category, and parents should be given an opportunity to challenge the decision to maintain such data. The school does not need parental or student permission to release the student's permanent record file including Category B data to (a) other school officials and teachers within the district who have a legitimate educational interest, (b) the state superintendent and others in his office for use within the statutory powers and responsibilities of his office, and (c) officials of other school systems in which the student intends to enroll so long as the student's parents are notified of the transfer, receive a copy of the record if they desire, and are given an opportunity to challenge the content of the record in a "judicial-like procedure." The school may not divulge any information contained in school records to other parties except (a) upon the written request of the student's parents specifying what records are to be released to whom, and/or (b) in compliance with judicial orders, etc, in which case the parents and/or students should be notified of the orders and the school's compliance.
Regulations of the State Board of Education: 22 Pa Code Chapter 12, Exhibit A