What ethical obligation do school psychologists have to their professional colleagues?

School psychologists have a fundamental ethical obligation to support ethical practices through collaboration with their professional colleagues. This principle emphasizes the importance of working together in a professional environment, where sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences can enhance service delivery and foster a supportive network among practitioners. Collaborating ensures that the ethical standards that govern their practice are upheld and encourages a culture of mutual support and shared responsibility in providing quality services to students.

Collaboration among colleagues also contributes to the advancement of the field itself, as practitioners learn from one another and share best practices, thereby improving their effectiveness in addressing student needs. By promoting ethical practices collectively, school psychologists can address challenges more effectively and create a positive impact on their educational environments.

The other options reflect behaviors or attitudes that do not align with the ethical standards of the profession. Engaging in competitive practices or promoting individual interests over teamwork fosters an environment of isolation and can undermine collaborative efforts. Disregarding others' opinions can lead to a lack of respect and understanding among peers, which is counterproductive in a field that thrives on cooperation and shared expertise.