SW 552 School Social Work and the Education of Exceptional Students

This course provides students with an overview of social work practice within public schools. It will provide a strong emphasis on the diverse practice roles and necessary skills in order to function professionally and effectively within the multi-disciplinary academic setting. This course will examine the field of special education and litigation (IDEA) along with the American with Disabilities Act. The class will review effective means of communicating and collaborating with parents, teachers, special education staff and administration. The course will also examine the definitions of exceptionalities with an emphasis on skill development in making behavioral assessments as well as behavior intervention plans. Particular attention will be given to various common child and adolescent diagnoses and will examine various, age appropriate trauma interventions that may be utilized within the school program. Students will also examine social-cultural, political, and economic forces that shape public education.