What action is recommended when school policies clash with ethical standards?

When school policies clash with ethical standards, seeking resolution through formal channels is the recommended course of action. This approach emphasizes the importance of adhering to both ethical standards and the established procedures within the school environment. Formal channels for resolution typically involve discussions with administration, consultations with other counselors, or referencing the school’s governance structure to address policy concerns.

This method ensures that the issue is approached professionally, allowing for a constructive dialogue that may lead to potential adjustments or reconsiderations of the policies in question. By utilizing established channels, school counselors can advocate for change while maintaining a professional demeanor and fostering collaborative relationships with colleagues and administration, ultimately working toward the best interests of students.

Other approaches, such as accepting policies without question or confronting those enforcing them aggressively, may lead to unresolved tensions or conflicts that undermine the counseling profession’s commitment to ethical practice. Casual discussions with peers might not bring about the necessary changes or resolutions, as they lack the formal structure needed to address policy conflicts effectively.