What is the purpose of the ASCA Ethical Standards?

The ASCA Ethical Standards serve the primary purpose of guiding school counselors in ethical practice. These standards provide a framework that helps school counselors navigate complex situations they may encounter within their professional roles. By establishing clear guidelines regarding confidentiality, consent, and professional behavior, the standards ensure that counselors prioritize the wellbeing of students while adhering to legal and ethical obligations.

This guidance is essential not only for individual practitioners but also for the overall integrity of the school counseling profession, as it promotes accountability and fosters trust among stakeholders, including students, parents, and the school community as a whole. The lesser focus of the other options indicates that the standards do not directly relate to financial aspects, competitive policies, or the administration of student evaluations, even though these areas may interact with the responsibilities of school counselors.