SSW Workload Vs Caseload News
A Community of Practice for School Social Workers
July 1 Update
Dear Colleague:
I have decided to schedule three meetings with the idea that not everyone will make all three.
The first will take place July 8, 2015 from 9:00am-12:00 noon in person at Oakland Schools in Waterford, MI. We will review the proposed form and discuss the strengths and weaknesses. Then we will begin to revamp what is needed.
The second meeting will take place on July 23 from 12:30- 3:30pm also at Oakland Schools in Waterford. We will review revisions and make any needed changes. The idea is that we should finish this meeting with the final draft.
The final meeting will be a final draft review where we will get feedback from people that couldn’t make the other two meetings. This will be a virtual and in person meeting taking place from 10:00-12:00pm ET on July 29 via Adobe Connect and/or at Oakland Schools.
By Monday, please complete the RSVP Form located at: http://goo.gl/forms/B3YmWqj1Yw
Please feel free to pass this information along to other interested SSW Colleagues.
Finally, if you haven’t provided feedback to me about using the Cecere and Williams (http://www.cecerewilliams.com/) form, please send your thoughts to me at this e-mail address: Steve.Whitmore@oakland.k12.mi.us. I will also take feedback on the Southgate Form presented by Karen Dunholter.
Thank you in advance for all of your hard work on this project.
Sincerely,
Steve Whitmore
News on this Work
The premise is simple: Changes in the way Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) deliver services as encouraged by NCLB and IDEA have suggested that administrators take into consideration many factors when determining a school social worker's (or other SISP's) assignments.
The process begins with gathering data about current job duties by conducting a monthly time study. Then, the professionals analyze the data and look for trends. Finally, the information is shared with others.
Currently, Steve Whitmore (Oakland Schools & MASSW) has asked school social workers to conduct a mock time study for one week using the tool found at http://www.cecerewilliams.com/.
Then, meetings will take place during the summer to discuss the tool and determine if any adaptions are needed. In the Fall, the modified tool will be released and SSWs will gather data. Periodic virtual meetings will take place to talk about the strengths and challenges of the process and determine any modifications (if needed). Data will also be analyzed and strategies will be created on the best ways to share the information.
If you would like to conduct a time study and take part in the summer meeting, please download the form above and contact Steve Whitmore to let him know your interest.
Organizations involved with this work
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP)
Representatives from the following organizations were present on June 3:
Michigan Association of School Social Workers
Check us out on-line or contact us at:
Email: steve.whitmore@oakland.k12.mi.us
Website: www.oakland.k12.mi.us/socialwork
Location: 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Charter Township, MI, United States
Phone: 248-209-2252
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OSSpecialEd
Twitter: @oaklandssw