What is the most appropriate response for a counselor who receives a request for student information from an assistant principal?

The most appropriate response for a counselor who receives a request for student information from an assistant principal is to verify the need for information before sharing. This reflects an important ethical consideration in counseling practices, which involves ensuring that any shared information adheres to confidentiality standards and the specific circumstances that justify the sharing of such information.

When dealing with student information, counselors must follow legal and ethical guidelines, such as those outlined in FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), which protects the privacy of student education records. By verifying the need for information, the counselor can ensure that the request is legitimate and necessary for the assistant principal to perform their duties effectively. This approach not only safeguards the student's privacy but also fosters appropriate communication within the educational environment.

In contrast, forwarding the email request to all faculty members can lead to unauthorized sharing of sensitive information. Responding without considering confidentiality breaches ethical standards and potentially violates student privacy. Providing information only if requested verbally could pose risks, as informal requests might not capture the necessary context to ensure ethical sharing of information.