WCASS Code of Ethics

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Professional special education leaders are guided by the WCASS professional ethical principles, practice standards, and professional policies that respect the diverse characteristics and needs of individuals with exceptionalities and their families. They are committed to upholding and advancing the following principles:

  1. Maintaining challenging expectations for individuals with exceptionalities to develop the highest possible learning outcomes and quality of life potential in ways that respect their dignity, culture, language, and background.

  2. Maintaining a high level of professional competence and integrity while exercising professional judgment to benefit individuals with exceptionalities and their families.

  3. Promoting meaningful and inclusive participation of individuals with exceptionalities in their schools and communities.

  4. Practicing collegially with others who are providing services to individuals with exceptionalities.

  5. Developing relationships with families based on mutual respect and actively involving families and individuals with exceptionalities in educational decision making.

  6. Using evidence, instructional data, research, and professional knowledge to inform practice.

  7. Protecting and supporting the physical and psychological safety of individuals with exceptionalities.

  8. Neither engaging in nor tolerating any practice that harms individuals with exceptionalities.

  9. Practicing within the professional ethics, standards, and policies of WCASS; upholding laws, regulations, and policies that influence professional practice; and advocating improvements in the laws, regulations, and policies.

  10. Advocating for professional conditions and resources that will improve learning outcomes of individuals with exceptionalities. 

  11. Engaging in the improvement of the profession through active participation in professional organizations.

  12. Participating in the growth and dissemination of professional knowledge