The role and duties of a school social worker can differ greatly by state. The National School Social Work Practice Model and the National Association of Social Workers' school social work standards describe practice approaches and behaviors endorsed by the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA). The National Evaluation Framework for…

Guided by Bronfenbrenner's (1994) ecological systems theory Bronfenbrenner (Int Encycl Educ,3(2):37-43) , this study highlights the interplay between learner psycho-social challenges and teacher emotional fatigue, which affect classroom dynamics, and the critical role of systemic support--the role of school social workers (SSWs)--in South Africa.…

School-based mental health professionals, including school psychologists, counselors, and social workers are critical to appropriate mental health services to youth in schools. However, the vast majority of states are chronically underserved by these professionals, despite policies that attempt to rectify the shortages. In this paper, we document…

To educate the whole child, one must provide children with the services needed to thrive. These services do not stop at the classroom door, but are provided to these students throughout the school day and even at home. Support service providers are the individuals who are tasked with helping to ensure that full wraparound services are provided to…

This paper reports results of a recent exploratory study using the International Survey of School Counselor's Activities with two separate but equivalent samples of guidance professionals from primary schools in Hong Kong. An exploratory factor analysis using data from one sample (n = 76) identified 7 factors representing guidance and counseling…

Since its inception in four cities in 1906, school social work has struggled to clearly define its unique professional contributions--its skills, perspectives, and purpose--as it has sought legitimacy and recognition within the fields of education and social work. The purpose of this article is to bring a historical lens to the professional…

This dissertation examined North Carolina (NC) principals' perceptions of the roles of school social workers through the lens of an Ethic of Care (EoC). The researcher argues that principals may not fully understand the role for a variety of reasons. One such reason is that the role developed outside of the school setting. Role clarity is needed…

Multi-tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention (MTSS/RTI) is now mandated in a number of states, including Illinois, and being implemented at all grade levels. School social workers and school psychologists are typically involved in implementation; however, minimal information exists on the extent to which they collaborate. Results of an…

"Safe haven" laws are designed to protect infants from being killed or otherwise harmed. This article examines the safe haven laws from the states that comprise the Midwest School Social Work Council and the variations between these laws regarding the age of the infant, where the infant can be left, who is allowed to leave the infant, whether…

In this article we explore school leaders' responses to challenges of inclusion in two Norwegian upper secondary schools. The empirical data are interviews with principals, deputies and social advisers in the two schools. We use multicultural education and inclusive leadership as theoretical lenses in the analysis. The results show that while the…

The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the frequency in which school social workers in Virginia engage in and prefer to engage in social work related activities and (2) to determine if the frequency in which the social work related activities the school social workers engage in is related to select variables. After a comprehensive review…

This study examines the roles and skills of a school social worker assisting a school district in developing a human sexuality education program. Specific challenges faced by the social worker are discussed, and alternatives to several of the social worker's decisions are explored. Specifically, decisions made by the social worker regarding…

Explores the role of the school social worker in preparing students to master their standards-based education and whether the work of school social workers support these academic standards. Suggests that school social workers need to do a better job communicating to the public, administrators, parents, and teachers their direct and supportive role…

Estimates suggest that up to 25 percent of the 40,000 new cases of HIV that occur in the United States each year may involve individuals under the age of twenty-two. This calls into question whether preventive education does indeed accomplish its intended purpose. Although there has been a host of recent additions to the wealth of HIV/AIDS…

Discusses three examples of social activism by school social workers as examples of the roles school social workers play along with therapist, consultant, advocate, school-community liaison, and mediator. Proposes that being social activists allows school social workers to move from helping the individual change to changing the system itself. (GCP)