Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 574: Social Work in School Settings
Credits - 3
Description
This course will provide the graduate student with a general understanding of the roles and responsibilities when working in primary educational settings. It will focus upon the roles the school social worker has when addressing the micro/mezzo and macro social problems and resources when assisting their pupil population. Areas such as safety, homelessness, diversity, and disabilities will also be explored. Additionally, the course will inform the student of the interdisciplinary structure of the school system as well as the external structures (statutes and regulations) that can influence educational policy and practice. Students will become knowledgeable of their state educational laws pertaining to school social work certification.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
School of Social Work Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the various roles and responsibilities of a social worker in a school setting with an ecological perspective. Those will include but are not limited to crisis intervention, advocacy, assessment, planning, referral, networking, cultural competency and interdisciplinary professional relationships. EPAS 1
- Practice social work skills in an ethical and evidence-informed manner in the educational setting. EPAS 1, 4
- Demonstrate a practice approach that is inclusive of students’ and families’ cultural diversity. EPAS 3
- Promote social justice and address social problems as they present and interfere with the students’ ability to obtain an education. EPAS 2
- Examine how the organizational context of school influences their role as a social worker, including Federal and State policies and procedures that impact social problems facing their students. EPAS 5
- Identify the role of assessment, planning, and practice skills in promoting the educational and social well-being of the student. EPAS 7,8
Assignments
Full assignment requirements, rubrics, and due dates for all learning activities are provided in the course.
Whole Class Discussions
You will be asked to post one initial response to Discussion Questions each week, and then make a minimum of 2 peer response comments to each Discussion prompt. Postings must meet the criteria for substantiveness to earn the maximum points available.
Reflective Journals
In Weeks 2, 4, and 5, you will respond to Reflective Journal prompts. There is no length requirement for the contributions you make to this entry; however, your reflection must demonstrate comprehension and application of what you gained from this experience and how it will hinder or assist your work with others. You may also submit a video or audio recording of this reflection in lieu of a written journal.
Week 5: Written Assignment – Interview with a School Social Worker or Attend a School Board Meeting (EPAS 1)
In Week 5, you are to submit a written assignment summarizing and reflecting on either of two choices: an interview conducted with a school social worker, or attendance at a local school board meeting. If you are interested in attending a School Board meeting and are unable to do so in real-time, the school board likely has recorded meetings for public viewing; this would also suffice for the assignment. Detailed guidelines for this assignment are provided in Brightspace; any questions can be directed to your course faculty.
Week 7: Community Resources Project (EPAS 2, 3)
For Week 7, you will create a Community Resource brochure or manual for students and their families who are new to the school community. This assignment can be of value to you, your community, and your school district or local school. It should be a comprehensive brochure or manual that provides details of necessary resources in one’s community that families and their children would find helpful. It is to be 6-7 pages in length, including relevant visuals and written in a professional narrative manner. Detailed guidelines for this assignment are provided in Brightspace; any questions can be directed to your course faculty.
Grading Policy
The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of the Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement | 1 point | 1% |
| Introductory Discussion | 2 points | 2% |
| Weekly Discussions (14 discussions) | 2.5 points each | 35% |
| Reflective Journals (3 journal prompts) | 2 points each | 6% |
| Week 5 Written Assignment: Interview a School Social Worker or Attend a School Board Meeting | 28 points | 28% |
| Week 7 Assignment: Community Resources Project | 28 points | 28% |
| Total | 100 points | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
All times refer to Eastern Time (ET). Course weeks run from 12:00 AM ET on Wednesday through 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, with the exception of Week 8, which ends on Sunday at 11:59 PM ET. Unless otherwise specified, all discussion comments and assignments are due the last day of the week. Initial responses to discussion prompts are due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET, unless otherwise noted.
Course Weeks
Week 1: Jan 15 – Jan 21
Week 2: Jan 22 – Jan 28
Week 3: Jan 29 – Feb 4
Week 4: Feb 5 – Feb 11
Week 5: Feb 12 – Feb 18
Week 6: Feb 19 – Feb 25
Week 7: Feb 26 – Mar 4
Week 8: Mar 5 – Mar 9
Week 1: Introduction to history and contemporary view of school social work. Roles and responsibilities. What is required to be a school social worker?
Readings and Multimedia
- Course Overview and Introduction Lecture
- Week 1 Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School social work: Practice, policy, and research. (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Chapters 1 and 2
- Gherardi, S. A., & Whittlesey-Jerome, W. K. (2018). Role integration through the practice of social work with schools. Children & Schools, 40(1), 35–44.
- NASW (2012). NASW Standards for School Social Work Services.
- Ayasse, R. H., & Stone, S. I. (2015). The evolution of school social work services in an urban school district. Children & Schools, 37(4), 215–222. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/cs/cdv0025
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 1 Discussion 1: Video Introduction
- Week 1 Discussion 2
- Week 1 Discussion 3
Week 2: Macro influence in the school setting. Role of Federal/State government and educational services.
Readings and Multimedia
- Weekly Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School social work: Practice, policy, and research. (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Chapters 9, 11, 16 and 19
- U.S. Department of Education (n.d.)Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
- U.S. Department of Education (n.d.)Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- U.S. Department of Education (n.d.)Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Kamenetz, A. (2022). School is for Everyone (Opinion Guest Essay). New York Times.
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 2 Discussion 1
- Week 2 Discussion 2
- Week 2 Reflective Journal
Week 3: Social work theory that frames practice in the school setting.
Readings and Multimedia
- Weekly Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School social work: Practice, policy, and research. (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Chapters 3 and 29
- NASW (2012) NASW Standards for School Social Work Services.
- NASW (2007) Evidence-Based Practice.
- Sanetti, L. M. H., & Collier-Meek, M. A. (2019). Supporting successful interventions in schools : Tools to plan, evaluate, and sustain effective implementation. Guilford Publications.
- Chapters 1 and 2
- NASW Code of Ethics. (2021).
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 3 Discussion 1
- Week 3 Discussion 2
Week 4: Social work services within a school setting.
Readings and Multimedia
- Weekly Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School Social Work: Practice, Policy and Research. (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Chapters 12-14
- Brook Lapping Productions (Producer). (2010). Disability. [Video/DVD] Teachers TV/UK Department of Education. https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/Disability
- Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE). (2014). Individualized Education Program (IEP) Facilitation. A Guide for Parents of Children & Youth (Ages 3-21) opens in new window. Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE).
- Crook, C. (2015). Educating America’s homeless youth through reinforcement of the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Faulkner Law Review, 6(2), 395–408.
- De Pedro, K. T., Pineda, D., Capp, G., Moore, H., Benbenishty, R., & Astor, R. A. (2017). Implementation of a school district-wide grassroots anti-bullying initiative: A school staff and parent-focused evaluation of Because Nice Matters. Children & Schools, 39(3), 137–145. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/cs/cdx008
- Lawrence A., Jones, M., & Boles, J (2022). Helping children cope with loss: Legacy interventions for the grieving classroom. Continuity in Education, 3(1). https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.5334/cie.45
- Linder, L., Lunardini, M., & Zimmerman, H. (2022). Supporting childhood bereavement through school-based grief group. Omega (United States). https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/00302228221082756
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 4 Discussion 1
- Week 4 Discussion 2
- Week 4 Reflective Journal
Week 5: Culture, Race, Gender and Identity
Readings and Multimedia
- Weekly Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School social work: Practice, policy and research. (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Chapters 8, 11 and 16
- NASW Code of Ethics (2021)
- Spectrum News Staff (2022, May 23). Homeless youth advocates call on city to address low school attendance. [Video]. NY1 Charter Communications.
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 5 Discussion
- Week 5 Reflective Journal
- Week 5 Written Assignment: Interview with a school social worker OR Attend a school board meeting
Week 6: Children with Disabilities
Readings and Multimedia
- Weekly Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School social work: Practice, policy and research. (9th ed.) Oxford University Press.
- Chapter 28
- DeArmond, M., Chu, L., Gundapaneni, P., & Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE). (2021). How are school districts addressing student social-emotional needs during the pandemic? Center on Reinventing Public Education.
- Humphries, M. L., & McKay-Jackson, C. (2022). Role of race in social and emotional learning (SEL) training for preservice school social workers and teachers.Children & Schools, 44(1), 7–16. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/cs/cdab031
- Jones, T. M., Fleming, C., & Williford, A. (2020). Racial equity in academic success: The role of school climate and social emotional learning. Children and Youth Services Review, 119. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105623
- Smith, S. W., Poling, D. V., & Worth, M. R. (2018). Intensive intervention for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice (Wiley-Blackwell), 33(3), 168–175. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/ldrp.12174
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 6 Discussion 1
- Week 6 Discussion 2
Week 7: Violence in School Settings
Readings and Multimedia
- Weekly Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School Social Work: Practice, Policy and Research. (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Chapter 22
- Leuschner, V., Fiedler, N., Schultze, M., Ahlig, N., Göbel, K., Sommer, F., Scholl, J., Cornell, D., & Scheithauer, H. (2017). Prevention of targeted school violence by responding to students’ psychosocial crises: The NETWASS program. Child Development, 88(1), 68–82.
- Morgan-Lopez, A. A., Saavedra, L. M., Yaros, A. C., Trudeau, J. V., & Buben, A. (2020). The effects of practitioner-delivered school-based mental health on aggression and violence victimization in middle schoolers. School Mental Health, 12(2), 417–427.
- Plumb, J. L., Bush, K. A., & Kersevich, S. E. (2016). Trauma-sensitive schools: An evidence-based approach. School Social Work Journal (Follmer Group), 40(2), 37–60.
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 7 Discussion
- Week 7 Assignment: Community Resources Project
Week 8: Social problems meet Trauma Informed Care in School Settings
Readings and Multimedia
- Weekly Lecture
- Massat, C.R., Kelly, M.S., & Constable, R. (2022). School Social Work: Practice, Policy and Research. (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Chapters 30
- Crutchfield, J., Phillippo, K. L., & Frey, A. (2020). Structural racism in schools: A view through the lens of the National School Social Work Practice Model. Children & Schools, 42(3), 187–193. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/cs/cdaa015
- Lensch, T., Clements-Nolle, K., Oman, R. F., Evans, W. P., Lu, M., & Yang, W. (2021). Adverse childhood experiences and co-occurring psychological distress and substance abuse among juvenile offenders: the role of protective factors. Public Health, 194, 42–47. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2021.02.014
- Stewart-Tufescu, A., Struck, S., Taillieu, T., Salmon, S., Fortier, J., Brownell, M., Chartier, M., Yakubovich, A. R., & Afifi, T. O. (2022). Adverse childhood experiences and education outcomes among adolescents: Linking survey and administrative data. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(18). https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2021.02.014
Assignments and Discussions
- Week 8 Discussion 1
- Week 8 Discussion 2
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Social Work page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
Essential Academic and Technical Standards
Please review the essential academic and technical standards of the University of New England School Social Work (SSW): https://online.une.edu/social-work/academic-and-technical-standards-une-online-ssw/
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Confidentiality Statement
Student and faculty participation in this course will be governed by standards in the NASW Code of Ethics relating to confidentiality in sharing information from their placement sites and practice experiences. Students should be aware that personal information they choose to share in class, class assignments or conversations with faculty does not have the status of privileged information.
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.