Eric Ryall

Considering limits sounds like one of the more delicate and challenging parts.  It would be very easy for a well meaning person to come across the wrong way in speaking with a student.  

It was very interesting to learn about the other regulations that we need to deal with regarding student data.  I have worked with recruiters quite a bit in the past and they've always provided signed releases to me.  I was interested to read about the Solomon Amendment and how it supercedes FERPA.

It is important to look at each case individually to find the best way to provide access to a student with disabilities.  It is also very important to review the documentation that the student provides to show that the student does indeed need accommodations for access, to ensure that they are not receiving an unfair advantage over other students.  

Every institution needs a good policy that covers records that takes into account FERPA, as well as State or other regulatory rules.  Everyone at the school needs training on it, as well, but the policy should be user-friendly enough so that it can be referrenced quickly and easily.  There's a lot going on with FERPA, and those who work directly with records will remember it all pretty easily, but those who don't (teachers, student services) will need help understanding how they can remain compliant. 

The biggest takeaway for me with this module was that we should focus on the functional limitations of a specific student, rather than to find a one size fits all solution for every studnet with a similar disability. 

FERPA Compliance has a lot of moving parts and can be very confusing.  What ever institution needs is a clear, user-friendly policy for record, as well as solid training for school officials.  

There was a lot of information in this section, and I think what I've found most helpful is that being compliant with Section 504 and the ADA means looking at the access to opportunities, and not getting bogged down in the specific disability of a student.  

What this course is impressing on me the most is how important it is to have really good school policy, and training on how we handle records so that we can remain compliant and support student rights.