School Social Work
A Skills-Based Competency Approach
Advance equity and inclusion with a text grounded in ADEI frameworks and real-world case applications
This textbook provides practical, skills-based preparation for school social work, aligning with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies and grounded in equity-driven practice. Covering history, policy, and day-to-day operations, it equips students and new professionals with essential tools for success. With updated coverage of restorative justice, licensure, and technology, it prepares readers to thrive in today’s diverse school environments. Know, use, and test your understanding of course content with CourseConnect—an interactive learning platform included with your print purchase.
What’s New:
- Expanded coverage of anti-oppressive and equity-driven practice
- Updated content on restorative justice, critical theories, and father engagement
- Guidance on licensure, certification, and the evolving role of school social workers
- Integration of updated technology in school social work practice
Key Features:
- Covers Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Social and Emotional Learning/transformative social emotional learning (tSEL), trauma-informed schools, and critical theory applications
- Prepares students with practical skills, cultural competence, and readiness for school social work roles
- Includes case scenarios, practitioner spotlights, and reflection questions
- Written by respected scholars and practitioners advancing and engaging Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in school social work
- Instructor Resources include Instructor’s Manual, Instructor Chapter PowerPoints, Instructor Test Bank, Sample Syllabus, EPAS Mapping, and Transition Guide from first to second edition
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Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Resources
SECTION I. INTRODUCTION TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK
Chapter 1. The Context of School Social Work: Historical Background and Current Trends in Schools
Chapter 2. Applied School Social Work: Getting Started in the School Setting
Chapter 3. Understanding the Context of School Social Work
SECTION II. PRACTICE ISSUES: PROFESSIONALISM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE RESPONSES TO DIVERSITY AND EQUITY
Chapter 4. Professional and Ethical Practice in the School Setting  
Chapter 5. Engage Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Applications to School Settings  
Chapter 6. Advancing Human Rights: An Agenda for Social, Racial, Economic, Environmental, and Educational Justice
SECTION III. ENGAGING AND ASSESSING CLIENTS IN THE SCHOOL SETTING
Chapter 7. Theoretical Perspectives Applied to Social Work Practice in Schools  
Chapter 8. Engagement With Client Systems in the School Setting 
Chapter 9. Assessment in the School Setting: The Role of Social Work  
SECTION IV. SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTIONS
Chapter 10. Multi-Tiered System of Supports 
Chapter 11. Tier 1 Interventions: Universal Interventions for School Social Work 
Chapter 12. Tier 2 Interventions: Small Group and Other Targeted Interventions  
Chapter 13. Tier 3 Interventions: Intensive, Individualized Services in the School Setting  
SECTION V. EVALUATING PRACTICE, ENGAGING IN RESEARCH, AND UNDERSTANDING POLICY
Chapter 14. Evaluating Practice in the School Setting  
Chapter 15. Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice: How School Social Workers Engage With Research 
Chapter 16. Engage in Policy Practice in the School Setting  
SECTION VI. CONCLUSION AND LOOKING FORWARD
Chapter 17. Looking forward – Emerging Issues for School Social Workers 
Index
Suggested Courses:
- School Social Work
- School Social Work Policy
- Social Work in Educational Settings
Included Instructor Resources:
- LMS Common Cartridge - All Instructor Resources
- Instructor’s Manual
- Instructor Test Bank
- Instructor Chapter PowerPoints
- Instructor Sample Syllabus
- EPAS Mapping
- Transition Guide: First Edition to Second Edition
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- Release Date: April 28, 2026
- Paperback / softback
- 502 Pages
- Trim Size: 7in x 10in
- Number of Illustrations: 34
- ISBN: 9780826100085
- eBook ISBN: 9780826142597



















