SWK6630/ SWK8630 Social Work Practice in Schools

Abstract

¶COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is intended for students who plan to work in schools or in agencies that are school-based or school-linked. While it is primarily a practice course, it is also a policy course because social work practice in schools is so strongly influenced by state and Federal education laws. It elaborates and builds upon basic skills and knowledge learned in 1st semester policy and foundation courses, to help the student take his or her first steps toward expertise in this specialization. This course seeks to familiarize students with the roles social workers assume in schools; the culture of primary, middle, and high schools; the psychosocial and developmental needs of the students; and the pressing issues facing schools today, including violence, diversity, racism, homophobia, over- crowding, poverty, and the changing relationship between family, school and community. ¶COURSE RATIONALE: Public and private school systems are emerging as an increasingly important settings for social work practice due to the expanding scope and complexity of the biopsychosocial needs of the increasingly diverse population of children, youth, and their families in public schools. The school setting is one enduring focus for many students and their families. Additionally, while the needs and problems of this population are increasing in complexity, the social service resources available to them may be fragmented and/or constrained. Social workers in schools must be knowledgeable about these multiple factors and skilled in direct practice with students and their families while also being knowledgeable and skilled in collaboration with multiple non-social work professionals.