Implementation Frameworks and MSW Curricula: Encouraging Pursuit and Use of Model Pertinent Data

Abstract

Graduate preparation of social workers and the infrastructure of service delivery too often limit the pursuit and use of data to inform practice. We review literature addressing student and practitioner motivation and interests, as well as masters-level social work curriculum content. This establishes a context for presentation of Masters in Social Work (MSW) student evaluations of program implementation at 34 field placement sites throughout the greater Kansas City region. Their evaluations focus through frameworks identified by the National Implementation Research Network to examine patterns of implementation and program data usage. Based on student lessons learned, we suggest MSW curricula revision to foster student and program appreciation and use of data.

Keywords:

• Program implementation
• program evaluation
• MSW curriculum
• field practicum
• implementation science