In keeping with best practices, what should the school psychologist do first concerning the test results when there is no court order restricting custody?

In keeping with best practices, what should the school psychologist do first concerning the test results when there is no court order restricting custody?

• A. Seek a court order
• B. Do not share
• C. Share with father
• D. Consult with mother about benefits of sharing educational records with the father

Answer: (D)

When there is no court order restricting custody, the school psychologist should first talk with the custodial parent about the possibility and benefits of sharing educational records with the other parent. This respects the parent's role and supports a collaborative approach aimed at the student’s well‑being and consistent support across home and school. By consulting with the mother, the psychologist can explain how access to records can help the father stay informed and participate in educational planning, while also ensuring any disclosures align with parental preferences and privacy considerations. This step is preferable to automatically sharing records, withholding them, or jumping to legal action, and it avoids unilateral decisions that could undermine trust or create conflict.

When there is no court order restricting custody, the school psychologist should first talk with the custodial parent about the possibility and benefits of sharing educational records with the other parent. This respects the parent's role and supports a collaborative approach aimed at the student’s well‑being and consistent support across home and school. By consulting with the mother, the psychologist can explain how access to records can help the father stay informed and participate in educational planning, while also ensuring any disclosures align with parental preferences and privacy considerations. This step is preferable to automatically sharing records, withholding them, or jumping to legal action, and it avoids unilateral decisions that could undermine trust or create conflict.