Professional Ethics
In May 2020, the NASP Leadership Assembly approved the NASP 2020 Professional Standards, including the Principles for Professional Ethics. The NASP 2020 Principles for Professional Ethics go into effect July 1, 2020 and describe the proper conduct for professional school psychologists. The purpose of the Principles is to protect the public and those who receive school psychological services by sensitizing school psychologists to the ethical aspects of their work, educating them about appropriate conduct, helping them monitor their own behavior, and providing standards to be used in the resolution of complaints of unethical conduct.
Standards and Policies
The ethical principles provide an expectation for ethical conduct and professional practice. The NASP Ethics and Professional Practices Board (EPPB) is responsible for interpreting and applying the standards for the professional conduct of NASP members and school psychologists holding the NCSP credential, yet NASP encourages all school psychologists to follow the principles.
Resolving Ethical Concerns
The Ethics and Professional Practices Board provides a series of problem-solving steps ranging from informal resolution of concerns to formal adjudication of complaints.
Ethical Advisory Bulletins
Teaching Professional Ethics (PDF)
Provides guidance on teaching professional ethics within graduate preparation programs
Preventing and Resisting Administrative Pressure to Practice Unethically (PDF)
Provides guidance on managing conflicts between ethical principles and requests from an administrator or supervisor
Ethical Documentation of Adjustments to Standardized Evaluation Administration Procedures
Addresses how to document adjustments to standardized administration procedures, including those made to reduce the chance for transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
Ask the Experts Webinar
Legal and Ethical Considerations for Remote School Psychological Services
This webinar offers guidance from special education administrators as to how to conceptualize the delivery of school psychological services for students with disabilities.
NASP Disciplinary Action
Review the public disclosure of ethical complaints or misconduct brought to the attention of the NASP Ethics and Professional Practices Board that have resulted in disciplinary action.