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School Social Work NOW!
Supporting Innovative Practice,
Effective Leadership, and Applied Research
Vol 6, Issue 17
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Recently I decided to join a new book club that was forming in my city, a book club that had as its central theme, race and race relations. Although we haven't even met yet to discuss the first book, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration, it is the ACSSW book recommended for February, National Black History Month. The book is enlightening and eye opening, filling in a little known history of migration of a people and what that migration did for--and to--them and the rest of the country. I highly recommend it. Let me know what you think!
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Do you have a leadership practice example you'd like to share with colleagues? A story of how you demonstrated leadership in your work? Do you have ideas on what school social work leadership "looks like" on a day-to-day basis? Send me a short email or contact me to talk about your experience. Just click on my name below. Let's connect!
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21st Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health
Proposals are now being accepted for the 21st Advancing School Mental Health Conference to be held September 29-October 1, 2016, in San Diego. ACSSW is an active participant, representing the voice of school social work in the planning and development of this conference. This is a perfect opportunity for school social workers to highlight their work and experiences to school and community providers and researchers! Demonstrate what school social work leaders do! Click to view the Request for Proposals and to submit an abstract. Deadline for submissions is February 29, 2016.
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...Snow days provide a great opportunity for a break because we can't control Mother Nature. It isn't our failing immune system (somehow our fault) or the failing immune systems of our families. It isn't our lack of being a "team player." It isn't a situation in which our colleagues question whether we drank too much last night and that's the real reason we can't come to work. We have something tangible that everyone can bear witness to. When a snow day is called, the city is frozen and we all know it. No one can reasonably leave home without significant risk, and it isn't our fault... It can be difficult to take a break and do nothing, which is often forced when a snow day occurs. Read more.
Editor's Note: While not included in the new DSM-V, Developmental Trauma Disorder in relation to complex trauma is an interesting concept advanced by trauma expert Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD.
Childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is probably our nation's single most important public health challenge, a challenge that has the potential to be largely
resolved by appropriate prevention and intervention. Each year over 3,000,000 children are reported to the authorities for abuse and/or neglect in the United States of which about one million are substantiated. Many thousands more undergo traumatic medical and surgical procedures, and are victims of accidents and of community violence (see Spinazzola et al, this issue). However, most trauma begins at home: the vast majority of people (about 80 %) responsible for child maltreatment are children's own parents.
Inquiry into developmental milestones and family medical history is routine in medical and psychiatric examinations. In contrast, social taboos prevent obtaining information about childhood trauma, abuse, neglect and other exposures to violence. Complete paper.
A Guide to Federal Education Programs That Can Fund K-12 Universal Prevention and Social and Emotional Learning Activities Click here, then click "download the guide."
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...These leadership tips will help you exhibit your leadership without having to be the boss, in any position: Be Goal Oriented...Practice Humility...Always See the Bigger Picture...Have Excellent Communication Skills... Access article for all twelve.
We've all done it. We've sat everybody down and explained. And wonder of wonders, almost nobody understood or acted upon our very informative explanation.
"Why don't they just listen?" we ask ourselves. "Why are they still doing X when clearly we have to learn to Y if we're going to succeed?" And on it goes. The fault is not in the strategy. And it's not in the intelligence of your team. The problem is that they didn't think of it themselves - they haven't had that "aha" moment that would help them contribute their piece of the puzzle. When people solve a problem for themselves they get a rush of neurotransmitters. They understand the "why." And they get that by solving the puzzle themselves. More.
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Abstract: As a pilot study, students in a Master of School Administration (MSA) program in southeastern North Carolina were surveyed about their perceptions of school social workers. Different priorities and perspectives can make it difficult for professionals to work together, particularly if the two groups misunderstand each other's goals and intentions. The purpose of this study was to assess the MSA student intern's perception of school social workers and use this information to improve the way they function in the schools. Understanding these perceptions can lead to graduate education programs geared toward the establishment of cooperative relationships between social workers and administrators as they work side-by-side in the schools. Access study.
Abstract: This paper surveys the historical and school institutional factors that shape current workforce, programmatic, and practice trends related to school social work in America. A key strand developed throughout is that the field of practice appears to be at a crossroads. It is suggested that this field of practice may be enhanced by placing the central focus on schools as organisations and school-community relations as key targets of intervention. Full article. (Scroll down on page to article).
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The Community-Partnered School Behavioral Health Modules
~ Free Training Series and CEUs Offered ~
www.mdbehavioralhealth.com
Signs of Suicide Program & Gatekeeper Training Module 1.5 CEUs. Free.
from Teachers College Press. A hard copy will be mailed to you. Free.
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Recommended Read for February - National Black History Month
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The Warmth of Other Suns - The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
by Isabel Wilkerson
"In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life.
From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of almost six million people changed the face of America. Wilkerson compares this epic migration to the migrations of other peoples in history. She interviewed more than a thousand people, and gained access to new data and official records, to write this definitive and vividly dramatic account of how these American journeys unfolded, altering our cities, our country, and ourselves. With stunning historical detail, Wilkerson tells this story through the lives of three unique individuals..."
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| Professional Development Opportunities |
Young People Double Risk of Aggression and Suicide When Taking Some Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants
Antidepressants appear to be much more dangerous for children and teens than reported in medical journals, because initial published results from clinical trials did not accurately note instances of suicide and aggression, a new study suggests.
Young people actually have a doubled risk of aggression and suicide when taking one of the five most commonly prescribed antidepressants, according to the new analysis published in the Jan. 27 issue of BMJ.
Earlier published drug trial results masked those risks by not accurately reporting suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts, and by not emphasizing instances of increased aggression... Learn more.
Melissa Noll awoke to the sound of her brother's sobs. Emergency responders surrounded her, feverishly trying to save her life.
Noll's 12-year-old brother found her unconscious in her bedroom with a scarf tied around her neck and phoned 911. It happened during Noll's junior year at Ashwaubenon High School following four years of silent suffering. Teachers didn't recognize her sinking grades and floundering social life as signs of clinical anxiety and depression on the verge of boiling over. Article.
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School Social Work Positions
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Continued - listed by state abbreviation
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Webinar:
The Every Student Succeeds Act: What You Need to Know
Tuesday, February 2, 3 - 4 p.m. ET - Free
Enactment of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) ushers in a new era for students, educators, and schools. Many of the federal policies in the areas of accountability, assessments, and school improvement have changed, with many decisions now to be made at the state or local level. Join ASCD's Government Relations team in an engaging webinar outlining the changes under ESSA. This discussion will provide useful information and ASCD's unique analysis of the new state testing options, the required accountability measures beyond test scores, when schools will be identified for improvement, and the improvement strategies available to them. You will also learn about:
- Changes to professional development programs, including a new definition of PD;
- A new Title II funding formula; and
- New requirements for teacher evaluation systems.
Register here.
Webisode: Behavioral Health Concerns in Classrooms
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) latest webisode recording with Knowledge Network for Systems of Care TV (KSOC-TV) addresses the topic of identifying and managing behavioral health concerns in elementary school classrooms. The panelists, including Center for School Mental Health affiliate faculty, Dr. Kimberly Becker, provide specific strategies on how students, parents, teachers, and administrators can work together to support positive mental health among elementary school students. Watch by clicking here. Approx. 1 hr.
Webisode: Expulsion and Suspension Policies in Early Childhood Settings
The Child and Family Policy Consortium webinar features presentations on expulsion and suspension policies in early childhood settings. Speakers include Dr. Walter Gillian (Yale University) and Dr. Oscar Barbarin (University of Maryland - College Park). Click here to watch. Approx. l hr.
Archived --
Archived by SAMHSA & KSOC-TV
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1st Quarter Deadline: March 31, 2016
Grants of up to $500 are available for "innovative programs, events, or projects" from the Meemic Foundation for Michigan, Wisconsin or Illinois. 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 first quarter cycle ends March 31st. Grants are up to $500. Recipients will be notified by May 15th.
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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