This module was interesting. The biggest thing I learned that I thought was directly related to me as an instructor, is that if a student opts out of releasing directory information, the institution would have to have the student authorize the use of his/her name is such things as discussion boards or chats. I inever thought about this before. I have to say that I do remember that when completing my undergraduate degree, our grades were usually posted outside of our faculty's office with our student numbers used instead of our names. I do realize now, that this was technically a FERPA violation. This was a very informative module.
I learned that there are certain instances when an institution may release information without a student's permission, but for the most part, it is done only with the student's permission. Students also have the right to waive the disclosure of Directory information if they so choose.
Reply to Sheila Heinert's post: I agree with you on this, FERPA can be a complicated subject to have total understanding and it is very easy to forget any single element within FERPA laws, so it's always good to go by the book and review FERPA laws periodically or as trining on FERPA offered or mandated by the institution.
I would apply as required by the laws. Most if not all educational institutions have annual training in place that all faculties and employees must take and complete in order to be up to date and in compliant with the FERPA laws.
SENSITIVE vs. NON-SENSITIVE info and the importance of informing and getting the consent of the students and a diligent RECORD KEEPING process is at the core of FERPA. The 5 'Ws' are a great way to remember the policies and guidelines of FERPA and how to follow them.
This section discusses disclosures of FERPA information and is generally supplied once a year. It also discusses requirements fo Directory Information and the use of Personally Identifible Information (PII, the release and giudelines.
FERPA prohibits the disclosure of a student’s “protected information” to a third party. For purposes of FERPA, a “third party” includes any individual or organization other than the student or the student’s parent(s). If an institutioin provides information to a third party, it must ensure that the third party does not improperly disclose information.
Understanding the policies of FERPA is a necessary issue. We have to have an understanding of the magnitude of the rules FERPA puts on our Company and employees.
I know (and it was made clear in this section) to be uber careful with student information. I would rather be too careful, especially when it come to information released to parents. There was some IRS dependancy info in the lesson, but I just think some colleges handle this differently. Maybe stricter rules, to be safe.
During this course I learned what I can and cannot do regarding students information. This was a great course with lots of vauable information.
Parents can assess student reords without student written request if they are listed as a dependent by the IRS. Alcohol and illegal drug use infomation can also be released to parents of students under age 21
Document everything and keep it secure to try to protect everyone in this process.
This module has clearly outlined that some of the most simpliest of information is protected and as such should be treated with sensitivity.
Parents can view their child's records if the child is considered a dependent. Also, directory information may be shared without the student's consent, so it's important for the student to review this every year.
This module taught me more detailed information of when a students records can be accessed for legal purposes, and the proceedures needed to obtain students records.
It is important that a student’s privacy is maintained. Requests for personal information from a third party is not something that educators should partake in. If a third party needs to access a student’s personal information for a compelling legal reason this request should be handled by the campus administrators.
I Like Knowing that The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) has published several sample forms that can be utilized for various types of release authorizations.
I had to get use to the FERPA laws when it came to posting grades. When I was in schools, many moons ago, and grades were posted is was like a competition. Students wanted to always be at the top of the list. I now see how visibly posting students grades can be a violation of their rights.
I have learned educational records can be released to parents if the student is deemed as dependent by the IRS, written consent or by alcohol/drug use. So when speaking with a student about the privacy of the record I will now know what to say.
Prior to this program, my knowledge of Féria was very limited.
