The Practice of School Social Work

Catalog description

School social work is a complex and specialized field of practice that is affected by changes in education policy, research, and practice models that continue to evolve. Social workers working within school systems provide services to students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance. School social workers seek to ensure equitable education opportunities; ensure that students are mentally, physically, and emotionally present in the classroom; and promote respect and dignity for all students. School social workers work in a variety of settings including public, private, alternative, charter, and religious schools providing services to K-12th grade students. School social workers are often called on to help students, families, and teachers address problems such as truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, bullying and victimization, and the effects of physical, emotional, or economic problems. School social workers also address issues such as substance abuse and sexuality. This elective course is designed to help students acquire knowledge, values and skills appropriate for social work practice within primary and secondary school settings. This course will provide the student with an overview of social work practice in the school systems. Students will examine the history of school social work, state and federal education laws, school context and educational issues and policies, conceptual frameworks (such as the Ecological Approach, Response to Intervention Framework), and service delivery models. Evidence-informed assessment, interventions and practices, particularly those that optimize the student's potential for growth and learning, will be discussed. The course is intended to develop the student's awareness and understanding of the unique role that the school social worker has and how it impacts the lives of…