FERPA Compliance | Origin: CM141
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
FERPA and Privacy: A Practical Approach --> FERPA Compliance
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I’ve learned that institutions must carefully balance student privacy with the operational needs of school officials.
Comment on Kaytlynne Kuhler's post: I too learned about this aspect. It is interesting to me to note that if a password is used alongside the student number for student access this is allowable.
Comment on Michelle Cheasty's post: I agree with Cheasty. I do remember everything what he said.
Many years ago, teachers posted grades outside doors, in classrooms, or other locations. We swapped papers and as the answers were given- graded each other's papers. All of these practices are a violation- and cannot be done today.
Interstingly enough, I learned that a practice that one of college professors used to employ while returning exams was highly likely to be a violation of FERPA. The professor would begin the returning of exams by posting the grade ranges on the board along with the number of students that fell into each range. The professor would then hand out the exams in the order of the ranges. For example, say there were 10 students that received a 90-100 and 15 that received a 80-89, the professor would hand out the grades in this order starting with highest score. In this case, every student had a reasonably good idea of what each fellow student scored.
I learned that a student ID number cannot be used to gain access to a student record if the school issues ID badges with the number.
To remain compliant with FERPA regulations, institutions must obtain signed consent from the student before disclosing most types of personally identifiable information from their education records
All educational institutions receiving federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, must follow compliance.
I learned about FERPA rights and how educational records are protected, including what counts as personally identifiable information and who can access it.
Information can be released with permission of the student and only for deemed necessary circumstances
Student information can only be released to staff with "legitimate educational interest".
What i learned is this has taught me that there is important information that not everyone should have access too, its good to have privacy for education
It is important to follow FERPA guidelines as it is important to follow HIPAA guidelines to keep patient or student info safe!
This is very similar to HIPAA rules and regulations in order to protect information. Seems it would be best to always inform the student and get written consent before disclosing information.
It is important to stay aware of current FERPA rules and regulations.
The best practice guidelines that are utilized by institutions add a level of protection for students’ privacy. Some of these guidelines may consist of:
• Notification to the student about any information released.
• Written permission of the student to allow disclosure of any educational records, including Directory Information.
• Provide the students with ample time and means to submit a written request to have the institution refrain from disclosing Directory Information.
What counts as directory and personal information for students.
Comment on Lela Bennerman's post: I can totally agree on that
I have learned that it is very important to stay up to date with FERPA guidelines, as things often change. I also learned that information is safe and private.
