Time Schedule:
Ann L. Pulkkinen
SOC W 588
Seattle Campus
Required for School Social Worker certification. Explores theoretical frameworks, current issues in education, individual, group and family practice; organizational context; and systems change. Also covers legal issues, racism and educational outcomes, special education, culturally sensitive practice, advocacy, family involvement, child abuse mandated reporting, collaboration, and ethics.
Class description
This course is designed to familiarize students with the nature of social work practice in schools. Course work is relevant to people specializing in school practice and to those preparing to work with children and families in related community agencies. Professional standards required for Washington State Educational Staff Associate certification are covered in this class. The course explores the dynamic social work role of advocating for each child’s civil right to “a free and appropriate public education” within the organizational context of school systems. Issues such as legal rights, truancy, cultural and sexual diversity, child abuse and neglect, high-stakes testing, comprehensive assessment of response to interventions, school violence and accommodation of handicapping conditions including special education are discussed relative to current national, state and local trends in education. Lectures, reading, discussion and on-line student presentations examine school social work interventions from the perspective of program design, delivery and evaluation.
Student learning goals
1)Demonstrate understanding of the organizational context of schools and learn to function as a school social worker within school systems.
2)Demonstrate understanding of the impact of federal, state and local laws and regulations related to education.
3)Describe the historical progression of the legal rights of handicapped children to receive education, and understand how those rights apply to daily school life.
4)Demonstrate an understanding of various theoretical approaches to intervention shown to increase the success of certain groups of students at risk of being denied education.
5)Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the diversity of our student population and the importance of culturally sensitive practice.
6)Demonstrate understanding of how to design social work services and understand the importance of assessment, response to interventions and professional collaboration in successful implementation of services. 7)Apply the NASW School Social Work Code of Ethics to practice.
General method of instruction
The course methodology utilizes an on-site and on-line lecture/discussion/student presentation format, with emphasis upon discussion and student participation in the learning process. The ability to think critically is essential and students are expected to demonstrate such ability. The instructor will assume the responsibility of providing a positive learning environment, helping students locate and employ learning resources, and helping facilitate student interaction with the material and each other toward meaningful understanding of the course material. Students are expected to assume primary responsibility for analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating concepts, information and ideas presented, and for contributing to class presentations and discussions.
Recommended preparation
Current enrollment in MSW program or permission. Interest and/or experience with school systems and their impact upon life outcomes for children and families. Required class for Washington State ESA certification.
Class assignments and grading
Class grading is based on a 100 point scale. 1. Class Presentation (30 points) 2. Portfolio (30 points) 3. Class Participation: Attendance, informed discussion of all assignments (30 points) 4. School Law Jeopardy Game (10 points)
