According to the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors, attending state and national conferences and reading journal articles best helps school counselors to:

While networking is a significant benefit of attending conferences, it is not the primary purpose emphasized by the ASCA Ethical Standards. Networking contributes to professional relationships but does not directly address the broader goals of professional development and personal growth that come from acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Demonstrating professional commitment is important, but attending conferences and reading articles primarily focus on enhancing knowledge and skills rather than showcasing commitment to stakeholders. Professional commitment is a byproduct of professional development but not the core objective of these activities.

Self-care is crucial for school counselors, yet attending conferences and reading journal articles are not specifically targeted at self-care practices. These activities are more aligned with acquiring new insights and improving professional competencies, which indirectly support self-care by fostering a sense of efficacy and satisfaction in one's work.