COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Discuss the importance of understanding and applying developmental theory to the
practice of school social work. - ANSWER-The importance of understanding and
applying developmental theory is vital to helping children. Understanding developmental
theory allows the school social worker to see where children are in their development.
Some children may be ahead of other children or behind other children in their
development. Applying developmental theory allows the school social worker to better
determine the various stages of development the child may be in.
What significance did the Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka do for the field of
school social work? - ANSWER-The Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka case
gave all children a chance at an education. This also gave children access to the school
social workers and the resources they provided. School social workers were able to
provide services to children of all colors and all physical and mental capabilities.
What professional and personal characteristics are needed by a person to function
effectively in a school setting? - ANSWER-The person has to have good communication
skills. The person needs to be calm when under pressure with certain situations. A
professional characteristic is having the appropriate degrees or licensure. The person
needs to have good listening skills. The person also needs to have patience. The
person needs to be able to advocate for students.
What are possible implications of being the only social worker in a school setting? -
ANSWER-Being the only social worker in a school setting can come with some
challenges. Being the only social worker means you have a large case load which can
cause students to feel that they are not being heard. Burnout is a high possibility since
everyone is coming to just one person. Not all issues can be addressed which means
that some students' participation and grades may start to be affected. On the other hand
being the only school social worker might allow you to better know all the students.
Which are the advantages of a school social worker housed in the school environment
as opposed to being in a nearby facility? - ANSWER-One advantage is getting to see
everyone more which will allow you to gain more trust. Another advantage is that an in
house school social worker is more easily accessible to students and families. Being
housed in the school allows the school social worker to observe interactions among
students and faculty.
Since the implementation of IDEA 2004 what notable changes have been made in the
areas of school social work? - ANSWER-The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) brought about significant changes to the role of the school social worker. The
school social worker is part of a team that helps determine whether a child qualifies for
, special educational services. The school social worker advocates for both the student
and the student's family. A school social worker must educate herself or himself to
ensure that students of color are not disproportionately represented in special
education. School social workers are a big part of educational programs developed for
students who receive special educational services. A school social worker will be a part
of a team of experts in the school who help provide services to special education
students. School social workers may create social development histories as part of the
student evaluation process. Another responsibility of the school social worker is to be
cognizant of any ethnic and racial barriers within the school and helps develop ways to
lessen
Student and family participation in the evaluation process have ensued. What effects
have these had on the position of the school social worker? - ANSWER-Once the
student and family participate in the evaluation process the school social worker can
plan and intervene on behalf of the student and family. Allowing the student and family
to participate in the evaluation process enables them to see themselves in relation to
other client systems. This can be very helpful to the school social worker in regards to
planning and developing interventions on behalf of the student and family. The student
and family being part of the evaluation process is also helpful to the school social
worker because it allows for a team approach when working with the student. School
social workers can use the student's and the family's participation to track their progress
in the intervention. Being part of the team that is providing services to the student and
family is more collaborative and may help the student and family to have more trust in
the school social worker.
What methods would you use to help the faculty understand your position as a new
social worker in the school? Please explain. - ANSWER-It is very important for school
faculty to understand the role of the school social worker. Developing a rapport with
school faculty and staff is essential to the integrity of the school social worker. One
important step in developing this rapport is by educating and working with the school
principal. The school principal can explain the role of the school social worker in a
positive way to the school faculty and staff. Ultimately it is up to the school social worker
to ensure a good working relationship exist with other school faculty and staff. A school
social worker should always make themselves available and present. It is important for
a school social worker to be present during various crises. Supporting and educating
the teachers when working with students who have learning disabilities or behavioral
issues can help lead to a good relationship between the school social worker and
teacher. Once faculty better understands the role of the school social worker real
progress can be m
What do you need to know before you see a student referred to you by a teacher?
Should you interview the teacher first? - ANSWER-The school social worker should first
talk to the teacher about observing the student in class to see how they behave in class.
The school social worker needs the teacher's permission and the permission of the
student and family to sit in on her or his class. If the school social worker sees the
behavior that the teacher is referring the student to them about then the school social