Developing a Social Justice Model of School Social Work

Caleb Kim, Ph.D., MSW

School of Social Work

Loyola University Chicago

I. Purposes of Research

1. Re-conceptualizing the school social work profession from the perspective of social work’s dual purposes, - social justice and human rights - in order to fully accomplish its purposes and tasks as a specialized field of social work profession.

2. Developing ‘Social Justice-oriented Four Tiers Model’ to meet current demands of school social work and to promote educational welfare for all citizens.

II. Rationale for Re-conceptualization

1. Changes in school systems and educational environment

2. Current demands of new roles and tasks in school social work

3. Need of international collaboration to promote school social work in global community

III. Considered Factors in Re-conceptualizing

1. Definitions and purposes of school social work and their interactions with education, social work and school social work professions.

2. Review of prevalent and important theories, perspectives, and practice models of school social work.

3. Implementation of newly conceptualized school social work into a practical and applicable model.

IV. Interaction of Organization Values among Education, Social Work and School Social Work

1.Organizing value of Education is Learning.

2.Organizing value of Social Work is Social Justice and Human Rights.

3.Organizing Value of School Social Work is• Educational Justice • Student Rights.

Tasks of School Social Worker based on Social Justice-oriented Four Tiers Model

Tier Visual Concepts Tasks and Services

Student/FamilyFor Student / Family

Mental health focused clinical services; education of student/ parents rights; crisis intervention; IEP team

School Within School

System/organization change; Decision-making team; develop code of student rights; integrate human rights into curriculum; consultation

School District/ Community

With School

School-community liaison; social, health, cultural services; education for the public; adult on-going education; early childhood education

State/Federal To Society

Education welfare for citizen; hiring regulation; equal funding; education policy/law; equal digital access for education; alliance with existing social action organizations