Children and Families in the School Setting

Catalog description

This course is required for all students in the planned program of study leading to eligibility to apply for the State of Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Pupil Services License (PSL) in school social work. It is also an advanced elective for any student either in the direct practice or community practice for social change concentration who wishes an informed understanding of the social work role within K-12 educational settings. The seminar prepares social work students who will be employed in school districts or in community agencies to work effectively with clients experiencing issues that may impact educational achievement in their school setting. The course addresses the historical development of social work services in schools; school reform; the role of student support teams; identification processes for students with disabilities; classroom interventions for children with mental health and/or trauma-based challenges; behavioral and crisis intervention plans; individual and group work; promoting parental/caregiver involvement; evidence-based interventions and evaluation of practice; systems-focused interventions and community agency linkages; legal and ethical issues; local, state, and federal issues; policy and legislation; school social work organizations; and career opportunities in schools and agencies. The course includes focus on student and family/caregiver challenges that may impact a child's school achievement. These issues include, but are not limited to disability, truancy, separation/divorce; pregnancy; violence and bullying/harassment; grief and loss; trauma; substance abuse; dropping out of school; and mental health issues such as depression and suicide. The course is offered within the context of assessing the impacts of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination on the cognitive, emotional, and social development of students, thus enabling the school social worker to design and deliver services that respond sensitively and competently to diversity. Prereq: Advanced Standing or ( SASS 504 and SASS 508 and SASS 509 ).