Chapter 1: Ethics in School Psychology: An Introduction

Question 1

Quality Control in School Psychology

Answer 1

• Professional codes of ethics.
• Education law that protects the rights of students and their parents in the school setting.
• Credentialing of school psychologists (state certification and licensure).
• Accreditation of graduate training programs

Question 2

Moral Principles

Answer 2

• Nonmaleficence – do no harm
• Fidelity – faithfulness to the truth and one’s professional duties
• Beneficence – do good
• Justice – ensure others are treated in a fair and nonbiased manner and that all persons have equal access to what school psychology has to offer
• Autonomy – respect for the right of individuals to have a voice in decisions that affect them

Question 3

NASP’s Four Broad Ethical Principles

Answer 3

• Respecting the Dignity and Rights of All Persons
• Professional Competence and Responsibility
• Honesty and Integrity in Professional Relationships
• Responsibility to Schools, Families, Communities, the Profession, and Society

Question 4

Eight-Step Problem-Solving Model

Answer 4

1. Describe the parameters of the situation.
2. Define the potential ethical-legal issues involved.
3. Consult ethical-legal guidelines, if any, already available that might apply to the resolution of each issue. Consider the broad ethical principles as well as specific mandates involved. Consider cultural characteristics salient to decision.
4. Evaluate the rights, responsibilities, and welfare of all affected parties.
5. Generate a list of alternative decisions possible for each issue.
6. Enumerate the consequences of making each decision. 7. Consultation with colleagues may be helpful.
   Present any evidence that the various consequences or benefits resulting from each decision will actually occur (i.e., a risk-benefit analysis).
7. Make the decision. Consistent with ethical codes, school psychologists accept responsibility for the decision made and monitor the consequences of the course of action chosen.