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School Social Work NOW!
Supporting Innovative Practice,
Effective Leadership, and Applied Research
Vol 5, Issue 7
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Through the years, ACSSW has encouraged school social workers to stay abreast of current issues and trends that affect education. One way to do this is by reading. The ACSSW website has our list of recommended books.
This month we are asking you, the reader, to send us your list of books that have impacted you and/or your practice. The books can be academic or fiction and can cover any issue or topic that school social workers might encounter (including how to handle difficult people!). Please forward your recommendations and watch for them to be featured in the coming months. Click here to send your list. Please put "Books" in the subject line. Thanks!!
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On January 26-27, 2015 ACSSW will again be hosting a National School Social Work Institute on School Mental Health. As in the past, it will be held at Tulane University in New Orleans. (See info following). It is our pleasure to be able to introduce Dr. Stephen Sroka, keynote speaker for this event, via an article by him located in this newsletter under "In the News." Dr. Sroka understands not only the role of school social workers and counselors but also that of school resource officers. Scroll down to read more or click on the link to the right.
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Standing Up for Children's Mental Health in Schools
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
January 26-27, 2015
ACSSW 4th National SSW Institute on School Mental Health
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Children with strong SEL skills have been shown to excel in school, both socially and academically. SEL programs are imperative to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students. However, reliable and valid assessment tools are necessary to conduct needs assessments and to monitor the success of SEL programs over time. The goal of this report is to assist middle school educators with choosing appropriate measures of social and emotional skills over time.
For the purpose of this review, we used the social and emotional competencies identified by the CASEL as a framework for identifying and reviewing various assessment measures. The five interrelated social and emotional competencies as described by CASEL include: Self-Awareness... Self-Management... Social Awareness... Relationship Skills... [and] Responsible Decision Making. Complete document.
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression) is a chronic brain disorder marked by bouts of extreme and impairing changes in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. The most outwardly apparent symptoms are behavioral; however, the illness often has less visible, but serious, cognitive, cardiac, and metabolic effects. Symptoms may emerge gradually or suddenly during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Researchers have identified cases of bipolar disorder in every age group studied, including preschoolers. . . Here, The Balanced Mind Parent Network examines bipolar disorder that emerges in childhood or adolescence.
Bipolar disorder does not affect every child in the same way. The frequency, intensity, and duration of a child's symptoms and the child's response to treatment vary dramatically. As the child grows up, bipolar disorder may affect the size, shape, and function of brain regions and networks. Recent research suggests that pediatric bipolar disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Parts of the brain mature (or come online) at different rates and times; brain maturation is not complete until an individual is 25 or so. Consequently, the symptoms and diagnosis of a psychiatric illness may change as the child grows. Continue.
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As you reflect upon your career and future, step-back and assess your body of work and how it has impacted the manner in which you lead. What makes you a stronger leader and provides you the perspective to cast a greater vision and help others achieve more? It is the wisdom embedded within your failures. Understandably, most people would rather not talk about their failures, but it sure does teach one how to manage adversity; for example, to understand why certain dots didn't connect in their career, or why certain relationships or opportunities went awry. Continue Reading.
The Situational Leadership Model suggests that there is no "one size fits all" approach to leadership. Depending on the situation, varying levels of "leadership" and "management" are necessary. However, leaders must first identify their most important tasks or priorities. Second, leaders must consider the readiness level of their followers by analyzing the group's ability and willingness. Depending on the level of these variables, leaders must apply the most appropriate leadership style to fit the given situation. The four different types of situational leadership are: Directing, Coaching, Supporting, and Delegating. Learn more. |
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Abstract: The application of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with students and in school settings has grown over the past 10 years and has been applied to a number of behavioral and academic problems. This review of the research literature examined the most rigorous outcome studies on SFBT conducted in schools, given its promise within this speci!c setting and population. In addition, effect size estimates were calculated to
further examine the effectiveness, thereby providing more quantitative information for each study. This review found mixed results but SFBT did show promise as a useful approach in working with at-risk students in a school setting, speci!cally helping students reduce the intensity of their negative feelings, manage their conduct problems, and externalizing behavioral problems. Complete review.
A scrap in the schoolyard. A girl making fun of another's looks. A website spreading lies about a classmate.
Kids will be kids. They will get over it, right?
Wrong.
Left unaddressed, bullying can leave children and teenagers feeling depressed and alone. For some, the effects of bullying can last a lifetime. Victims have an increased chance of academic failure, low self-esteem and inability to connect socially. There are long-term implications for the bullies, too. Research shows that youths who bully typically have a criminal record by age 24. Bullying has become such a serious problem that at least 19 states, including Colorado, have anti-bullying laws. In 2005, The Colorado Trust launched the $9 million Bullying Prevention Initiative to help youths and adults in school districts, schools and community-based organizations intervene in and prevent bullying through training, networking, practice sessions and other strategies. Learn more.
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Recommended Read for November
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MOXIE: The Secret to Bold and Gutsy Leadership
by John Baldoni
Leaders today need to be mindful of their circumstances as well as mindful of their own strengths and shortcomings. They need to have the disposition to succeed as well as the inner resourcefulness to persevere. Leaders must be willing to do things differently but also draw on tried and true traits, such as courage and gumption.
Moxie is a concept that the modern leader is wise to adopt-one part courage, one part can-do spirit, and one part recognition. In Moxie: The Secret to Bold and Gutsy Leadership, author John Baldoni uses concrete, tried-and-true steps to bring out the inner leader in everyone. For management and employees alike, Moxie provides a roadmap to inspire innovation and effective leadership. Whether you're already at the helm of your organization or still looking for a way up the ladder, Moxie is the leadership tool you can't do without. Built on the MOXIE framework, leaders learn how Motivation, Opportunity, an "X" factor, Innovation, and Engagement work together for success. Learn More.
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This toolkit assists high schools and school districts in designing and implementing strategies to prevent suicide and promote behavioral health. It includes tools to implement a multi-faceted suicide prevention program that responds to the needs and cultures of students. Toolkit.
Free 1.5 CEUs for School Social Workers
ACSSW is very pleased to offer an opportunity for any school social worker to earn 1.5 FREE CEUs due to ACSSW's sponsorship of an excellent program:
Plan, Prepare, Prevent: The SOS Online
Gatekeeper Training Module
The SOS Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program is an award winning, nationally recognized program designed for middle and high school-age students. The program teaches students how to identify the symptoms of depression and suicidality in themselves or their friends, and encourages help-seeking through the use of the ACT® technique (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). This course is available free to school social workers. With sponsorship from ACSSW, all learners will receive 1.5 contact hours upon completion. Click to Learn More. To register call 781-239-0071 or email SOS Registration and mention that you'd like to register.
Columbia University Teachers College Press published 4 guides geared to support teachers, administrators, student personnel staff, and parents. For a limited period, and as supplies last, TCP has agreed to provide FREE copies of the guides to social workers and educators working with military kids in schools including: teachers, school administrators, PPS workers, and military parents. School social workers should be aware of this wonderful, time-limited, FREE offer from TCP. Many school social workers will benefit from these guides.
The process is simple. Each individual desiring a free book would need to click on the link, select the type of book s/he desires, and fill out name, mailing address, etc. on the Qualtrix form after selecting the book desired. The book will be mailed in a few weeks.
Helping Traumatized Children Learn, vol. 1 & 2, are available for purchase or free download on the website. Click here to learn more about this.
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School Social Work Positions
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Continued - listed by state abbreviation
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Brighton, CO
Connecticut (various)
Lisle, IL
Waukegan, IL
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Dearborn Hts, MI
Grosse Point, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
Rochester, MN
Camden, NJ
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Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County, WI
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The number of children living in extreme poverty-on $2.00 or less per person per day in a household-grew significantly from 1996 until 2011. In 2011, 3.55 million children in 1.65 million households were living in extreme poverty in a given month. Income included TANF and other direct cash assistance programs, cash support from family and friends, and income from odd jobs and other sources. The good news-if you can call it that-is means-tested benefits (food stamps, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Section 8 vouchers) lifts two-thirds of these households out of extreme poverty, but still leaves 1.17 million children living off the barest subsistence. Research by H. Luke Schaefer, an associate professor of social work at the University of Michigan and Kathryn Edin, the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in the department of sociology at John Hopkins University, documents the growing number of children being left behind. Read more.
by Dr. Stephen Sroka
Many at-risk students in schools are crying for help with their real life issues, and yet many educators respond with an emphasis on academic proficiency skills. With today's stress on academic achievement at all costs with little regard for the mental, social, physical, emotional or spiritual aspects of the whole student, many teachers teach tests and not students. Students become point averages and not people. And many students tune out and drop out literally or figuratively. What do our at-risk students want? What can you do as a school resource officer to make a difference.
Teaching across the country, from the poor inner cities to the rich suburbs and on isolated reservations, I have had the opportunity to dialog with at-risk youth. I have asked the students for suggestions on how we may reach and teach the whole at-risk student. Learn about and see student responses.
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Medicaid in Schools--An Innovative System of Funding Special Education Services
Wednesday, November 12th, 12 Noon ET
This presentation will describe how Medicaid reimbursement for services provided in public schools works and illustrate the unique partnership between Medicaid, education, and families while defraying the ever-increasing costs of health care delivered in schools. The goal of building on existing school strengths and resources in partnership with Medicaid and education for funding mental health services will be emphasized.
To participate in the webinar, please follow two steps:
1. Go to this link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/783179293
2. Call 1-855-688-5866 and enter code: 23903458, meeting ID: 783-179-293
To mute your line, please push *6
If you have any questions about the webinar, please contact Amanda Mosby.
Defending Childhood Webinar to Discuss Preventing Multiple Form of Violence
Thursday, November 13th, 2 p.m. ET
The Prevention Institute, in collaboration with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Futures Without Violence, will present the webinar "Tools for Connecting the Dots: Latest Research and Innovative Strategies Honoring Linkages between Multiple Forms of Violence." This webinar will address how connections between different forms of violence affect prevention efforts, including those focused on trauma, equity, and boys of color. Presenters will review the benefits of an integrated approach in addressing multiple forms of violence and share resources to guide prevention efforts. More info and to register.
Child Trafficking and Juvenile Justice
Wednesday, November 19th, 3 - 4:15 p.m. ET
This Webinar will focus on the nature of child sex trafficking, its impact on victims, and the history of U.S. responses. Presenters will discuss the intersection of trafficking with juvenile and criminal justice, particularly for high-risk populations, such as runaway and homeless youth; describe current federal and state laws to prevent the criminalization of trafficking victims; and highlight current efforts of juvenile justice agencies, state advisory groups, and other stakeholders. Register.
Archived
The CSMH and the IDEA Partnership presented a webinar, School Mental Health: A Federal Perspective, on January 30, 2014. Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, the President put forward a number of initiatives aimed at making schools and communities safer and to increase access to mental health services in his plan, Now is the Time. As he said, "We won't be able to stop every violent act, but if there is even one thing we can do to prevent any of these events, we have a deep obligation, all of us, to try." This webinar provided an overview of federal efforts that have already been put in place, as well as those that have been proposed for the upcoming years. Presenters David Esquith, Director for the Office of Safe and Healthy Students (OSHS) Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), U.S. Department of Education, and Ingrid Donato, Branch Chief, Mental Health Promotion, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provided participants with information about other existing federal initiatives to prevent youth violence and promote positive student outcomes. Strategies that support students, schools, and communities as well as the importance of cross-system partnerships were highlighted. The webinar recording is available as well as the PowerPoint. Access here.
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Sodexo: Steven J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarship
Deadline: December 5, 2014
The Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships recognize and reward students who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger. The scholarship recipients each receive $5,000 for their education as well as a matching grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice. The Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship is named for the Sodexo Foundation's founder and former president, who was an unstoppable champion in the fight to end hunger. Thanks to Steve's efforts, which made these scholarships possible, an emerging generation of leaders will be cultivated in the fight against hunger. Criteria and application.
4th Quarter Deadline: December 31, 2014
Grants of up to $500 are available for "innovative programs, events, or projects" from the Meemic Foundation. Apply online using their easy application that takes less than 30 minutes to complete. These grants are open to any employee of a K-12 public or private school. Universities and colleges may also apply. Fill-in-the-blank application.
Grants are accepted year round, but the fourth quarter cycle ($500 max per grant) ends December 31st. Funds will be available in February-March.
The foundation says it supports "basically anything that supports teachers and enhances the student's educational experience" - from field trips to books to behavior modification programs; science, music, or art equipment to professional development.
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