School Social Work Assessments (SW626)

This 13-week course will present knowledge and critical skills to prepare for social work practice in school settings, including the history and theoretical foundations of school social work. The five topical areas will include: 1) a brief overview of educational programs and legislation in the United States for individuals of all ages and their families; 2) school social worker assessment tools and services for educational institutions at the pre-K elementary, and secondary levels. 3) assessing and responding to issues of economic and social discrimination in ways that center justice and educational access 4) laws, policies, and practices related to determination of qualification under special education rules within multi-disciplinary teams and response to intervention, multi-tiered models 5) advocating for the right to education of oppressed and special populations (including children and youth with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities, TLBGQ youth, economic and geographic disadvantages, and diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds). Students will learn comprehensive, multi-tiered and culturally relevant assessment protocols and techniques relevant to school based social work practice.

Note: This semester course, in conjunction with School Social Work Interventions (SW628), is intended to help professionals meet the Michigan school social worker requirements. Participants will be enrolled in this course alongside MSW degree seeking students. Participants who successfully complete both school social work courses will meet the required academic competencies for practice as a social worker in Michigan. Participants will need to earn a B or higher score on all required assignments, attend all live course sessions, and view all required recorded content. These courses also award continuing education hours to participants who meet the course requirements.