|
School Social Work Now!
Supporting Innovative Practice,
Effective Leadership & Applied Research
April 2013 - Vol 3, Issue 28 |
|
|
|
Come on . . . Follow Us!! | |
|
|
|
|
Greetings! | |
This version of the newsletter contains corrected links to articles. Please delete the earlier vol 3, issue 28, just sent. Apologies for the inconvenience. Thank you.
On Monday, April 22nd, ACSSW visited Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, bringing a message about school social work and the ACSSW Mental Health Awareness Campaign. We made strategic visits to the offices of over 25 Representatives and Senators from IL, CA, WI, CT, SC, IA, MN, MI, PA, AZ, RI, MD, CO, IA, MA, WA, and VT. There will be follow-ups with each of these individuals. If you are interested in knowing who was visited in these states, please contact me.
*****
The University of Iowa School of Social Work announced the winners of their first annual National Poetry Contest for Social Workers. Sixty-nine poems were submitted by students and alumni from 20 states across the country. The purpose of the contest was to acknowledge the creative talent of social workers and to draw attention to social work as a profession. The required format was a seven-line poem.
Third place went to retired school social worker Mary Ann Getse, MSW, 1979, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University. Getse retired two years ago following a 30-year career in social work primarily in the school district of Waukesha, WI. Currently she works part-time for the district running support groups for children. Click to read Mary Ann's poem and the other submissions (including that of MN school social worker, Tammie Knick!). Congratulations, Mary Ann!!
*****
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. May 5th-11th is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week whose theme this year is Out of the Shadows--Exposing Stigma. There is still time to plan an awareness campaign for your school. Visit the link in the left hand column for more information. Get your ACSSW Tip Sheets and Green mental health awareness pins today.
Every student deserves access to supportive mental health services! Who better to provide them or to help families to secure resources than school social workers? Often, you are the only licensed, trained mental health clinician on the school staff. You can raise awareness about and educate others on school mental health benefits and interventions.
Green ribbon pins and Talking Points sheets are still available so, please contact us NOW if you want pins for May, Mental Health Awareness Month. You may also view a picture and/or download the order form now. Each pin comes with two pages of Mental Health Talking Points that can be discussed or shared with administrators, staff, parents, and so on. Start a campaign in your school and Wear the Green! Good mental health is so essential to positive school and life outcomes. Be a leader in School Mental Health. Please show your support today.
*****
Cuts and reductions resulting from the federal Sequestration are beginning to manifest themselves. The National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP; formerly NAPSO), of which ACSSW is a member, is requesting stories of cuts or reductions so that they can be shared with the federal policy and decision makers. If you have a story or if you know of someone or a district with a story, please contact me. If you are uncomfortable with releasing your name or that of your district, we can keep that confidential. Please send them now!
Judith Kullas Shine
President |
|
Recommended Read for April | |
"This is quite an unusual book. It's not a practical guide to handling day to day issues with Autism, nor is it a dry clinical description of Autism. It's essentially a book promoting a new paradigm, (a whole new outlook) on Autism. It provides you with an understanding of some key positive concepts and then goes on to show how they can be put into practical use on a daily basis. . .
Make no mistake, these aren't ten baby concepts which will only hold true for a small part of your child's life. They're adult ones, mantras for living - and they apply forever. . .
You'll notice that every one of these ten things is open-ended. Each topic contains a lot of important discussion material. I won't say that I agreed 100% with everything but the later chapters put all of my minor niggles to rest.[The author] makes it clear at the beginning of the book that all children are different and that not everything here will apply to every child." -- Gavin Bollard
|
|
|
|
|
Practice Points | 
Experiencing rejection not only affects how we think and feel - over the long-term it can also influence our physical and mental health. New research suggests that when rejection comes in the form of discrimination, people respond with a pattern of thoughts, behaviors, and physiological responses that may contribute to overall health disparities.
"Psychological factors, like discrimination, have been suggested as part of the causal mechanisms that explain how discrimination gets 'under the skin' to affect health," says psychological scientist and senior researcher Wendy Berry Mendes of the University of California, San Francisco. Complete article.
Helping Traumatized Children Learn: Supportive School Environments for Children Traumatized by Family Violence
The goal of Helping Traumatized Children Learn is to ensure that children traumatized by exposure to family violence succeed in school. Research now shows that trauma can undermine children's ability to learn, form relationships, and function appropriately in the classroom. Schools, which are significant communities for children, and teachers-the primary role models in these communities-must be given the supports they need to address trauma's impact on learning. Otherwise, many children will be unable to achieve their academic potential, and the very laudable goals of education reform will not be realized. Trauma-sensitive school environments benefit all children-those whose trauma history is known, those whose trauma will never be clearly identified, and those who may be impacted by their traumatized classmates. Together, we can ensure that all children will be able to achieve at their highest levels despite whatever traumatic circumstances they may have endured.
This report proposes an educational and policy agenda that will enable schools to become supportive environments in which traumatized children can focus, behave appropriately, and learn. It translates complex research on trauma into educational terms that are useful to teachers and schools. And it provides a Flexible Framework-which can be adapted by any school-for creating a climate in which children exposed to family violence can achieve at their highest levels. Read full report.
Preventing, Assessing, and Intervening in Teen Dating Abuse
AIR's [American Institutes for Research] National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments has released a training toolkit on teenage dating abuse for instructional support personnel. Research shows that schools can make a difference in preventing interpersonal teen violence. The training materials are designed for use by school staff-such as guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and other professionals-who provide services that address barriers to learning and assist students in being successful in school. Access toolkit.
There is a sense of hopelessness in the world; this understanding that the problems are too large and the people too small. Everyone seems to "know" that there will always be corruption, greed, and hatred. Everyone except one somewhat obscure group of people who go about their business everyone day seeking peace and love for the sake of others; namely Social Workers. More. |
|
Leadership News | 
Leaders believe that taking care of profits, people, and the planet arecritical to organizational success, both now and in the future. Of the leaders we surveyed, 73 percent report the triple bottom line is currently important to organizational success, and 87 percent agree that the concept will be important
to organizational success in the future.
A leader with long-term vision and the ability to communicate can influence others to adopt his/her vision. According to leaders, the three most critical individual leadership competencies necessary for adopting triple bottom line approaches include long-term view, communication, and influence. Access white paper.
Readiness for Change
Across a variety of markets and disciplines, readiness for reform or organizational change is often said to be an important predictor of how successfully new policies, programs, or practices will be implemented. If people or groups are ready to embark on change, they are less likely to resist or actively sabotage its implementation. Moreover, when people are ready to undertake change, they will do so more energetically and thoughtfully than they might otherwise. More. |
|
Research Highlights | 
The use of physical punishment is controversial. Few studies have examined the relationship between physical punishment and a wide range of mental disorders in a nationally representative sample. The current research investigated the possible link between harsh physical punishment (ie, pushing, grabbing, shoving, slapping,hitting) in the absence of more severe child maltreatment (ie, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, exposure to intimate partner violence) and Axis I and II mental disorders. Read study conclusions.
Abstract: Understanding barriers to practice is a growing area within school social work research. Using a convenience sample of 284 school social workers, this study replicates the efforts of a mixed-method investigation designed to identify barriers and facilitators to school social work practice within different geographic locations. Time constraints and caseloads were found to be the most commonly cited barriers to practice, and respondents from urban locations reported the highest number of barriers when compared with those from suburban and rural settings. As a single category, school staff collaboration, communication, cooperation, and attitudes was cited as the most common facilitator and the highest ranked facñitator of practice. The authors conclude that differences in perceived barriers among locations highlight the importance of understanding the dynamics and unique needs of a given service area. Suggestions for future research directions are provided, and implications for skills development, education, and professional development aimed at the amelioration of barriers to school social work intervention are discussed. Complete article. |
|
In the News |
More than 130 police officers and deputies roam the halls of Orange County's 184 public schools, a visible reminder of efforts to make schools safer. But the same schools share only 44 social workers. That's about one for every 4,150 students, well over the one-to-250 ratio recommended by the School Social Work Association of America.
In the wake of the December school shootings in Newtown, Conn., schools in Central Florida and around the country have reacted by bolstering physical security and adding more police. In Orange County, that included stationing full-time deputies at about 60 elementary schools. But less attention has been paid to the mental health of the students in those schools. Some of those students are at risk of hurting themselves. A small number are a risk to others. Full article here.
As Chicago prepares to close 54 schools, a significant challenge will be safely moving thousands of students to and from class through the patchwork of rival gang territories in the city, The Huffington Post reports. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his schools chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett acknowledge the danger of mixing youth from different neighborhoods, and will not close high schools. The district consulted maps of gang lines when choosing where to send elementary students, and has dedicated $16 million to expand Safe Passage, a program that ensures children arrive to school safely. Adults stand watch along key routes, alerting police of problems. In the past two years, criminal activity has dropped 20 percent in the immediate area of the 35 high schools and four elementary schools that currently implement Safe Passage. The program will expand next year to all 55 "welcoming" schools, and its success will rely heavily on people like the Rev. Robin Hood, who grew up in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood. Hood works with organizations like Mothers Opposed to Violence Everywhere and Cease Fire, and his seven-day-a-week job involves having former gang members -- experts in gang behavior he calls his "street epidemiologists" -- gather intelligence about where problems are brewing and trying to negotiate resolutions. Learn more.
Much research has focused on the effects that severe child abuse can have on a person's mental well-being. But a new study published in the July issue of the journal Pediatrics takes a look at the possible link between mental health disorders and harsh physical punishment in the absence of abuse. The findings may persuade parents not to spank at all.
Researchers from Canada found that physical punishment (such as slapping, hitting, pushing and shoving) -- even without child neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse -- was linked to mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse and personality disorders. Continue.
Social Media Complicate Drinking Rules at High Schools
When Mark Kuisle steps out of his office at Century High School, it's not unusual for him to find pictures of his students engaged in illegal activities - drinking, smoking or otherwise - slid under his door upon returning. Others simply email him such pictures.
While some may criticize the 21st century cybersnitches, it's become an all-too-familiar dilemma for local activities directors who are faced with disciplining student-athletes for images that can easily be pulled from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. . .
Data shows that Kuisle's situation has become the norm as school officials - and law enforcement - across the country have been forced to confront the ever-evolving realm of social media. More. |
|
Survey Completion Requests |
Smith College Study on SSW Practice
Sarah Wettenstein, a student at Smith College School for Social Work in Northampton, MA, is conducting a research study about how school social workers practice and the different types of interventions they use. In particular, she is interested in looking at the barriers to participation in different kinds of school social work practice.
This is yet another opportunity to inform the school social work and related educational communities about the profession! It costs nothing but your time--which often is in short supply. But original research about what we do and how we do it is so very important. Please assist in this research by learning about the project or, for more information, email Sarah or call 860-604-1204.
You are invited to participate in a brief 20 minute anonymous survey. The Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is conducting this survey (a) to understand the barriers to engaging caregivers in school-based mental health treatment, and (b) to develop best practices for engaging caregivers in school-based mental health treatment. Mental health professionals who provide school-based mental health services are invited to complete this survey. Participation involves completing a 20 minute online survey of mental health professionals' experiences with engaging caregivers in school-based mental health treatment. Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary. In addition, your responses are completely anonymous and confidential. If you decide to participate, you may discontinue participation at any time, or if you feel uncomfortable answering any questions, you may choose "skip" as the answer or you may leave the text box blank. By completing the survey, you are providing consent to participate in this evaluation. Please contact Dr. Nicole Evangelista Brandt or 410-706-0980 with questions. Thank you in advance! Go to School-Based Mental Health Survey. |
|
Webinars | |
Free Podcast
Bad Memories
Memories and experiences from childhood can have good and bad long-term effects on a person's physical and emotional well-being. A recent CDC study in five states found that more than half of respondents reported some type of adverse childhood experience that continues to affect them today. In this podcast, Dr. Valerie Edwards discusses the lingering effects of adverse childhood experiences. Access here.
ARCHIVED & AVAILABLE
Understanding the Developmental Needs of Young Families Experiencing Homelessness
Young families who are homeless often have unique needs based on both the challenges of trauma and homelessness and their developmental stage. A developmental perspective is essential to tailoring services to meet the needs of this population. During the first session of this course, we will provide an overview of development from birth through young adulthood; child and adult brain development; expected behaviors and responses at each stage; and the impact of trauma on development. Register to access.
Understanding the Impact of Trauma in the Lives of Displaced Children and Families
The prevalence of traumatic stress in the lives of displaced children and families is extraordinarily high. Experiences of trauma can have a significant impact on how families interact with each other and with service providers. In this webinar, participants will learn about the connection between traumatic stress, displacement, and homelessness; the mind-body response to stress and trauma; factors that influence our responses to trauma, particularly cultural factors; and the impact of chronic trauma on all areas of functioning. Register here to access.
Keeping Common School Areas Safe presented 3/20/2012 and
Teasing, Taunting, Bullying, Harassment, Hazing, and Physical Aggression: Prevention, Strategic Intervention, and Crisis Management presented 5/11/2012 |
|
Grants & Funding | |
Champion Creatively Alive Children
Crayola Creative Leadership Grants 2013
Crayola, in collaboration with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, is accepting applications for the 2013 Creative Leadership Grant program. The program will award up to twenty grants of $2,500 to elementary schools working to develop a team of leaders who can help increase arts-infused education within school and beyond. In addition, each program will receive an in-kind grant of Crayola products valued at $1,000.
Applications will only be accepted from principals who are members of NAESP. Every school that submits an application by June 10 will receive a Crayola product Classpack. Click to access application. Deadline: June 21, 2013.
NEA Foundation-Nickelodean Big Help Grant
Sponsored by Nickelodeon and the NEA Foundation, NEA Foundation-Nickelodeon Big Help Grants provide up to $5,000 to K-8 public school educators in the United States. The Big Help Grants program is dedicated to the development and implementation of ideas, techniques, and approaches to addressing four key concerns - environmental awareness, health and wellness, students' right to a quality public education, and active community involvement. The grants target these four concerns as areas of great promise in helping students in the twenty-first century develop a global awareness that encourages and enables them to make a difference in their world. Applicants must be practicing U.S public school teachers or public school education support professional. The application process is the same as for the NEA Foundation's Student Achievement grants. Applicants should specify that their request is for the Big Help Grants program in their application. Application deadline is June 1, 2013. Link to RFP. |
|
ACSSW Activities | |
ACSSW's present activities include:
- supporting research projects and their application within the school environment;
- developing a national school social work role framework paper;
- establishing a National Center for School Social Work Practice, Leadership and Research, a long-term goal,
- designing professional development opportunities that address current issues and real job challenges. Watch for details to come.
- staying on top of national educational reforms and trends.
If you have interest in participating in any of these activities, contact Judie Shine. ACSSW strives to be inclusive and transparent in all of its activities and welcomes, whether lengthy or short, the participation of its members. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
