The necessity of school social workers at special education schools

Abstract

I am of the view that school social workers can play a key role in supporting children with disabilities who have family issues or need assistance with career options after school at special education schools. However, currently, special support education coordinators deal with these tasks.

This study investigated the necessity of school social workers at special education schools. Questionnaires were administered to special support education coordinators of special education schools across the nation.

The results revealed that 62.7 percent of special support education coordinators experience difficulties coordinating various issues between the school and related agencies because of their differing schedules. Furthermore, 72 percent of the coordinators agreed about the necessity of school social workers. They reasoned that there was an increase in the number of children facing family issues and other serious problems. Furthermore, it was difficult coordinating between the school and related agencies to deal with these issues. However, they noted that it was important to distinguish the role of support education coordinators and that of school social workers clearly.