What is the primary purpose of the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors?

The primary purpose of the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors is to guide professional conduct and decision-making. These standards serve as a framework for school counselors, ensuring they adhere to ethical guidelines that promote the welfare of students, the integrity of the counseling profession, and the fostering of an environment that encourages student success. By providing a comprehensive set of principles, the standards aid counselors in navigating complex situations, making informed decisions, and fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.

The guidance provided by these ethical standards is crucial in maintaining professional integrity, establishing trust within the school community, and ensuring that counselors act in the best interest of students. While enhancing the academic curriculum, providing psychological evaluations, and establishing school-wide policies are related components of a counselor's role, they are not the core focus of the ASCA Ethical Standards. Instead, the emphasis is on ethical practice, which is foundational to achieving all other goals within the school counseling profession.