A Practice Evaluation of Professional Learning Communities among School Social Workers Using a Recollection Proxy Pretest Design

Abstract

In light of the need for school accountability and evidence-based practice, professional learning communities (PLCs) with a focus on teaching and learning are gaining popularity among school systems. It is anticipated that school social workers will be able to streamline and enhance interventions and service delivery to clients through the use of PLCs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of PLCs on the school social work practice in the urban school setting. The study provides insight into the development of PLCs among school social workers within an urban school system and how participants perceived the benefits, barriers, and outcomes of the PLCs practice. All school social workers in the urban system were surveyed and the results analyzed using a recollection proxy pre-test design. The addition of a PLC had a positive impact on school social work practice.

KEYWORDS:

• School social work
• program evaluation
• professional learning communities
• recollection proxy pretest design

Notes

This study was conducted as part of the first author's internship and research requirements for completion of the MSW program.