ABSTRACT
Graduate programs in school psychology incorporate courses and topics in ethics and law pertaining to school psychology as a fundamental aspect of training. Those programs seeking the approval of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) are required to document that school psychology students have acquired prerequisite skills in the 11 Domains of School Psychology Training and Practice within the Standards for Training and Field Placement Programs in School Psychology (NASP, 2000b). One of these training standards is School Psychology Practice and Development, which covers ethical, professional and legal standards and emphasizes that school psychologists practice in ways that are consistent with these standards. More recently, A Blueprint for Training and Practice III (NASP, 2006) describes the domain of professional, legal, ethical, and social responsibility as one of the four areas of school psychology training and practice. This domain is foundational and permeates all aspects of professional practice. Blueprint III describes professional, legal, ethical, and social responsibility as follows:
The issues addressed by this foundational domain are relatively straightforward but absolutely central to the efficacy of a school psychologist’s work. School psychologists should be prepared to practice in ways that meet all appropriate professional (practice and ethical) and legal standards in order to enhance the quality of services and protect the rights of all parties. This includes adhering to due process guidelines in all decisions affecting students, maintaining accepted professional and ethical standards in assessment, consultation, and general professional practice; and fulfilling all legal requirements, including those in response to legislative and judicial decisions. (p. 17)
