The Mission Statement of the organization, as established in Article II of the PAPSA By-Laws includes the following:

• To promote the concept of pupil services in school systems so that the needs of the children and youth may be met more effectively.
• To provide a means of communication and professional growth for pupil services administrators.
• To create an awareness of the role and function of pupil services and pupil services administrators.

As educators, Pupil Services personnel are guided by the following beliefs as established in the PAPSA Pupil Services Position Paper, February 2016 Revision:

• Pupils are viewed  holistically;  that  is,  they  are human beings with complex needs and interests which extend beyond the educational system.  Cultural, physical, social,  economic and psychological factors are all important.
• Each student has unique characteristics.
• Child development is an orderly developmental process.
• Every child has potential and value.
• Pupils are in a constant state of change, which requires adaptability and flexibility on  the part of all educators.
• Schools are part of an increasingly complex social structure which demands more of  the learner than just the mastery of cognitive skills and do not function in isolation.
• Effective education results in a person who can adapt to as well as contribute to the   changing environment.
• Learning is a lifelong process.
• Effective education develops:
  • self-understanding and a feeling of self-worth;
  • an understanding of others and an appreciation of the worth of all people;
  • the knowledge,  skills  and  attitudes  necessary  for  successful  personal and family living;
  • the knowledge and practices necessary to maintain physical and emotional well-being; and
  • the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to become a self-supporting member of society.