Federal Requirements:
* FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Schools receiving federal funds must protect the privacy of student education records. This includes procedures for accessing, amending, and disclosing student information. Non-compliance can result in loss of federal funding.
* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: Prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools receiving federal financial assistance. This includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, and gender-based discrimination. Schools must have procedures for reporting and investigating such incidents.
* ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act): Requires schools to report data on student achievement, school climate, and other factors to the state and federal government. Specific reporting requirements vary by state.
* Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Schools must identify and serve students with disabilities. Compliance involves individualized education programs (IEPs) where appropriate.
* IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act): Guarantees free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. This involves extensive reporting and documentation related to IEPs, evaluations, and services provided.
* Clery Act: Requires institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) to publicly disclose campus crime statistics and security information. While not applicable to all K-12 schools, some larger institutions may fall under this.
* Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting: Schools are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. This involves specific reporting procedures to child protective services. Failure to report can result in legal penalties.
State Requirements:
State laws and regulations dictate many additional compliance requirements, including:
* State-specific testing and assessment data: Most states require schools to administer standardized tests and report results to the state department of education.
* Attendance reporting: Schools must track and report student attendance data to the state.
* Graduation rates: Data on graduation rates are usually required.
* Teacher certification and licensure: Schools must ensure teachers hold proper credentials.
* Health and safety regulations: These vary considerably by state and may include fire safety, food service, and health inspections.
* Special education compliance: While IDEA is federal, states often have their own regulations as well.
* Curriculum requirements: States set standards for what must be taught.
* Budgetary reporting: Schools are required to account for public funds.
Private School Requirements:
Private schools may be subject to fewer federal regulations, but still face state and potentially local requirements, such as:
* State accreditation: Many states require or incentivize private school accreditation.
* State health and safety regulations: Private schools are typically subject to the same health and safety regulations as public schools.
* Child abuse reporting: Mandated reporting applies to private schools as well.
To determine the exact mandatory compliance reporting requirements for a specific school, you need to consult the relevant state department of education, the school district's policies, and any applicable federal regulations. This information is usually available on the relevant government websites. Schools often employ compliance officers to ensure adherence to these regulations.