Ethical Issues : The Changing Role of the School Psychologist / Sandra S. Lee and Barbara Gerson.

School psychologists must have a system of problem solving to employ when faced with ethical dilemmas. In addition, school psychologists must recognize that professional expertise brought to practice in the schools is not value free. It is imperative that those who see themselves as helping others, especially children, clarify their ideals, goals, norms, and standards of behavior. It is important to consider questions of individual responsibility in the face of authority or in the face of unethical or ineffective behavior on the part of one's colleagues. School psychologists must be aware of their own biases and weaknesses. They must also become aware of the values of the community, and finally, of the values of the individuals with whom they interact. While psycholgists make every effort to reconcile any differences which arise, individual ethical integrity must remain paramount. The school psychologist who fulfills the role mandated by law, follows ethical guidelines, functions effectively in a bureaucratic structure, and when necessary, goes "beyond the guidelines" may still encounter ethical dilemmas. Psychologists must gain practice in dealing with the processes involved in resolving ethical dilemmas, and must receive the professional support needed to live up to standards and ideals. (ABL)

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