INTRODUCTION TO THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
at UC BERKELEY
The
School of Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley,
has provided formal credential-directed training in school social work
for nearly three decades. While social workers have served in public
school settings since the 1900's, it was not until the late 1970's that
the National Association of Social Workers identified standards
for school social work service, specifying both knowledge and skill
competencies appropriate to the field. Soon after, Berkeley developed
its School Social Work Program. Our School Social Work Program has been
approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. MSW
students who complete the School's required curriculum in School Social
Work are recognized by the State as eligible candidates for the Pupil
Personnel Services Credential (PPSC).
The
primary objective of Berkeley's School Social Work Program is to educate
MSWs to assist public schools to achieve their educational and developmental
mission. Berkeley's program seeks, in particular, to provide students
with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to be effective public
school social workers. Consistent with the overall objectives of the
school, the academic and field work experiences provided for PPSC students
focus on serving disadvantaged and at-risk students and their families
in an informed and self-reflective manner. Our graduates understand
the services available to vulnerable children and their families through
the primary public service systems in the community in addition to regular
and special education. Collaborative and interdisciplinary practice
is emphasized.
Students
in this program learn interventive skills to address the problems of
school children and their families. The emphasized modes of intervention
include direct practice with school children, their parents and caretakers;
collaboration with teachers, administrators and other support personnel;
linkage and advocacy with other resource providers; program evaluation;
and participation in interdisciplinary educational teams.
PPSC
candidates must demonstrate competence in identified areas of knowledge
and skill before they are certified. MSW students wishing to earn PPSC
certification must meet the requirements for the MSW degree and for
their particular specialization. They must complete course work expressly
directed to certification standards in school social work and, if desired,
child welfare and attendance services.
--
