In this conceptual article, the authors identify the current state of racial disproportionality in U.S. public schools and the ethical call for school social workers to engage in anti-racist practice. Using the ecosystems perspective, a familiar perspective for school social work, the authors present a model for addressing racial climate gaps for…

The article provides a global picture of school social work in 2021 using data gathered by the International Network for School Social Work. School social work is a growing specialty around the world. There are school social workers practicing in more than 50 countries. School social workers support students' educational success, especially those…

The majority of Tier 2 interventions are facilitated by specialized instructional support personnel, such as a school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors, or behavior consultants. Many professionals struggle to involve parents and teachers in Tier 2 behavior interventions. However, attention to the motivational issues for…

The majority of Tier 2 interventions are facilitated by specialized instructional support personnel, such as a school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors, or behavior consultants. Many professionals struggle to involve parents and teachers in Tier 2 behavior interventions. However, attention to the motivational issues for…

School social work interventions that address social and emotional learning are often confined to micro-level practice. Yet the social work profession thrives on multilevel practice in all settings (micro, as well as macro). School social workers can play a pivotal role in engaging youth to become prosocial participants of their school and…

Conventional school improvement models traditionally involve "walled-in" approaches. These models focus primarily on academic learning strategies in response to standards-based accountabilities. Although positive outcomes have been documented, expanded school improvement models such as the Ohio Community Collaboration Model for School…

Describes a comprehensive school-based conflict-resolution approach designed by two school-based social workers and implemented in an "alternative" urban high school over a two-year period. Results indicate that a more cooperative atmosphere developed in the school as a result of the program and that the program was effective in reducing both…

A unifying theoretical perspective, ecological theory, has evolved in school social work. This theory defines effective practice as interventions that take place in microsystems, mesosystems, and macrosystems as opposed to individuals. However, there is a lack of uniformity in practice. Analyzes the challenges of practicing ecological theory…

Describes a model that uses a culturally grounded approach to group social work in which the whole child is supported. Based on a developmental approach, the model uses the performing arts to help students express themselves. Looks at preplanning, group formation, and the various stages of implementation. Discusses implications. (RJM)

This journal for school social work practitioners attempts to provide new perspectives on practice issues, to share innovative approaches to problem solving, and to present new and applicable methods of intervention. This issue includes articles on: (1) an in-school program for adolescent parents; (2) group process and black adolescent identity…

Describes a practice model that school social workers can use when helping culturally diverse families. Model emphasizes the importance of building a perspective for understanding culture and presents a framework for cross-cultural practice that includes some basic skills for effective transactions. Provides suggestions on how to work with…

This paper presents a model for integrating the myriad services needed by behavior disordered students. In this model, the role of the behavior disorders service coordinator is orchestrating all services within the school and community to facilitate successful remediation of behavior problems and successful transition into family life, community…

American Indian educators, social workers, and university advisors at five Montana colleges developed the Family Education Model to replicate within the college culture the extended family structure often found on reservations. This enhances Native students' sense of belonging and leads to higher retention rates. Family support is given to any…