Developing an Effective Program Model for School Social Worker Placement: A Nationwide Survey of Local Boards of Education

Abstract

This study aimed to examine and analyze the school social worker placement practices of local boards of education according to a school social worker placement program model, by conducting a nationwide survey of local boards of education and school social workers. This program model was made based on the results of interview research conducted in 2010 and 2011. First, the practice of local boards of education was examined based upon this program model. Secondly, correlational analysis between the practice of local boards of education and school social worker practice was conducted. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the matching data obtained from 108 members of local boards of education and 372 school social workers working within 155 local government jurisdictions. The quantitative analysis showed that the following practice of local boards of education positively affected school social worker practice: (1) project planning based on knowledge of school social work; (2) utilization of different school social work placement models; (3) development of supervisory and in-service training systems; and (4) evaluation of school social work programs. In conclusion, the findings provided insight into improving school social worker placement programs.