Engage in Diversity and Difference in Practice Competency: Exploring the Explicit Curriculum and Outcome Measures of Graduate Social Work Programs

ABSTRACT

Engaging in diversity and difference in practice is an essential skill for all social workers. The Council on Social Work Education emphasizes the importance of the development of these skills in social work education. The aim of this research was to influence best practice teaching standards and outcome measures for this competency. Self-study reports from 67 graduate schools accredited by the Council on Social Work Education were analyzed. The results of this study indicate schools are relying on assignments, readings, and videos as the means of teaching students about engaging in diversity and difference and relying on the field evaluation tool and student self-assessments as outcome measures. Results are examined in depth, and implications for social work education are discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katherine Drechsler

Dr. Katherine Drechsler earned her MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her Doctorate of Social Work with Clinical Emphasis from George Williams College of Aurora University.  She currently is the Field Coordinator for the Social Work Program and is the Advisor for the Student Social Work Organization and the Phi Alpha Honor Society.  Prior to joining the UW-Whitewater faculty full time in 2014 she worked twenty seven years in the social work field as a clinical social worker working with adults with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses,  child welfare,  juvenile justice, and in residential treatment for adolescents.  Dr. Drechsler’s interests include addictions, foster care, adoption, diversity and difference in practice, and enhancing teaching in social work education.  Dr. Drechsler teaches practice courses and field experience courses.

Sarah Hessenauer

Sarah Hessenauer, PhD, LCSW, is an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

Leslie Jaber-Wilson

Leslie Jaber-Wilson, DSW, CAPSW, is a Professor at Marian University.