National and state surveys over the past several decades have concluded that school social workers, despite an awareness of and training in macro level practice strategies, are highly individualistic in their practice focus. Although clinical skills are necessary, they are insufficient for effective school social work practice in the 21st century.…

Although corporal punishment has been banned in 29 states, more than a million cases of corporal punishment in U.S. schools continue to be reported annually, with states located in the southeastern and southwestern United States accounting for the vast majority of instances of corporal punishment. This article provides an overview of corporal…

In many U.S. school districts, there has been a near epidemic of out-of-school suspensions (OSSs) for relatively minor or vaguely defined student offenses. Suspension provides temporary relief to frustrated teachers and administrators and may result in more parental involvement. However, for a large number of at-risk youths, it appears that being…

The need for school social workers and other mental health providers to move away from specialist oriented services to comprehensive general programmatic approaches has been gaining increasing support among leaders in education and mental health. The "clinical quadrant" highlighted in this article is offered to better conceptualize the complex and…

Describes extent and impact of harassment; responses of victims, school personnel, and perpetrators to harassment; and legal redress available to victims. Includes specific steps social workers and other school personnel should take to prevent or alleviate such problems. (LBT)

Social work practice in public schools is challenged by the rising poverty, homelessness, dropout rates, and delinquency of students. This increasingly diverse and disadvantaged student population is currently converging with more punitive and rigid public schools. Presents multicultural-diversity education as a promising approach that is…