Assessing Use of the Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups by School Social Workers: A National Study

Abstract

The International Association for Social Work with Groups Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups specify the core knowledge, skills, and values needed for effective professional practice. These Standards are intended to serve as a guide to group work practice. The extent to which the Standards inform and are employed in practice, however, remains a question. This article focuses on the extent to which the Standards are utilized by social workers employed within primary and secondary schools. Focus is placed on how the Standards are perceived, understood, and practiced by school social workers.

Keywords:

• competencies
• IASWG and AASWG Standards
• school social work
• group work
• practice skills