Leaving personally identifiable, graded papers unattended for students to pick through is no different from posting grades in a hallway. If these papers contain personally identifiable information, then leaving them unattended for anyone to see is a violation of FERPA if the instructor has not obtained the written permission of each student to make his or her coursework accessible in this public manner.

Place each student’s coursework in an individually sealed envelope with only the student’s name printed on the envelope.
Identify each student with a code word or randomly assigned number known only to the faculty member and the student. Identify all coursework by this code number.
Return completed coursework during class.
Have students collect their coursework from the departmental administrative assistant only after the administrative assistant has affirmed the student’s identification via a photo ID. (Check to see if this service is available in your academic division first.)
Obtain and maintain each student’s written permission to distribute coursework in a public manner.

What do I have to do to comply with FERPA in returning examinations and other coursework?