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California Association ofSchool PsychologistsCode of EthicsAdopted June 2002Wendy SharpEthics SpecialistRevised March 2003and March 2004Susan Goldman, Ethics SpecialistBrent Duncan, EditorCASP Code of Ethics2CASP'S PRINCIPLES FOR PROFESSIONAL ETHICS PurposeThe formal principles that guide the proper conduct of a professional are known asEthical Standards. By virtue of joining CASP, each member agrees to abide by this Codeof Ethics, acting in a manner that shows respect for human dignity, and assuring a highquality of professional service. CASP acknowledges that ethical behavior is both theindividual responsibility of each member, and the collective responsibility of CASP as anorganization, CASP Affiliates, and any CASP sponsored group or function.The CASP Ethics Specialist is a permanent member of the Board of Directors. He or sheis appointed annually by the incoming CASP President, and serves in an advisorycapacity to the Board. The Ethics Specialist is also available to CASP members whohave ethical concerns regarding the practice of school psychology.The primary purpose of these guidelines is to educate school psychologists and thepublic as to our professional ethical responsibilities. Because CASP is not in a positionto issue credentials or authorize services, the CASP Ethics Specialist functions in anadvisory capacity only, and does not engage in investigations regarding violations ofthese standards.IntroductionA Code of Ethics includes both good practice and professional standards for conduct.The CASP Code of Ethics provides guidelines in the following areas:1) Professional competence (personal and professional limitations, professional growth,confidentiality, records, information shared);2) Professional relationships and responsibilities (students, parents staff,administrators, the community, interpersonal relations);3) Professional practice in public settings( assessment, use of materials andcomputers, intervention, school-based research and evaluation, reporting data andconferencing results); and4) Professional practice in private settings (district employment, service delivery,announcements and advertising).These guidelines recognize the obligation of professional persons to provide servicesand to conduct themselves so as to place the highest esteem on human rights andindividual dignity. Even though ethical behavior involves interactions among theprofessional and employing institutions, responsibility for ethical conduct must rest withthe professional.CASP Code of Ethics3The content of these guidelines is to supply clarification that will facilitate the delivery ofhigh quality psychological services in the school or community. Thus they acknowledgethe fluid and expanding functions of the school psychologist. In addition to these ethicalstandards, there is the ever-present necessity to differentiate legal mandate and ethicalresponsibility. The school psychologist is urged to become familiar with all applicablelegal requirements and standards.The ethical standards in this guide are organized into several sections representing themultifaceted concerns with which school psychologists must deal. The groupingarrangement is a matter of convenience, and principles discussed in one section mayalso apply to other areas and situations.General OverviewThe school psychologist’s role, whether functioning in a public or private setting,mandates a mastery of skills in both education and psychology. This includes knowledgeof current state and federal laws governing education, and adherence to these laws. Inthe interest of adults and children served in both the public and private sectors, schoolpsychologists strive to maintain high standards of competence. School psychologistsapply influence, position, and professional skills in ways that protect the dignity andrights of persons served and that promote the quality of education and life In general. Insituations where there are divided or conflicting interests (as between parents, school,student, supervisor, or trainer) school psychologists are responsible for attempting towork out a plan of action that encourages mutual benefit and protection of rights. Ethicalbehavior may occasionally be forbidden by policy or law, in which case schoolpsychologists are expected to declare their dilemma and work to bring the discrepantregulations into compliance with the "CASP Code of Ethics."I. Professional CompetencyA. Personal and Professional Limitations1. School psychologists offer only those services that are within their individual areaof training and experience. They must continually seek additional training with thewelfare of those served in mind.2. School psychologists define the direction and nature of personal loyalties,objectives, and competencies, and advise and inform all persons concerned ofthese commitments. When these commitments may influence a professionalrelationship, the school psychologist informs all concerned persons of relevantissues in advance.3. School psychologists do not guarantee outcomes as the result of their work.4. School psychologists accurately represent their level of competence, education,training, and experience to schools and clients in a professional manner.5. School psychologists do not use affiliations with other professional persons orwith institutions to imply a level of professional competence different from thatwhich has actually been achieved.CASP Code of Ethics46. School psychologists are aware of their limitations and enlist the assistance of otherprofessionals in a consultative or referred role, as appropriate.7. School psychologists refrain from involvement in any activity in which personalproblems or conflicts may interfere with professional effectiveness. Competentprofessional assistance is sought to alleviate such problems and/or conflicts inprofessional relationships.8. The maintenance of high standards of professional competence in any schoolpsychological specialty is a responsibility that must be shared by all psychologists. Inthe interest of the public and the profession as a whole, when school psychologistsbecome aware of practices likely to result in the offering of inferior professional workor the lowering of standards for psychological services, influence should be exertedto rectify the situation.9. School psychologists have a working knowledge regarding the CASP Code of Ethicsand thoughtfully apply them to situations within their employment setting. Ignoranceor


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Sac State EDS 245 - Study Guide

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