Those who choose the profession of social work are generally well versed in the areas of social justice, the human interactions and relationship, defining the worth of a person, driven by integrity and service. 

These values are aligned with the five competencies of social and emotional learning: self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and self-management. School social workers are equipped to break down and model what it looks like to have relationship skills.

Within ABSS, schools utilize Panorama Education to collect data related to students' social and emotional learning. Within ABSS, schools use various social and emotional curriculum to enhance student learning and life skills. From Panorama, “Effective SEL programs acknowledge that each student has a different learning style, and provide students with multiple opportunities for practicing SEL skills. Common instructional practices found in leading social-emotional learning programs include: didactic instruction, storytelling, SEL handouts or printouts, writing exercises, small group SEL lessons, culturally responsive lesson plans, drawing activities, song and dance, video-based exercises, skill practice, role play, and kinesthetic activities.” To learn more about SEL curriculum, visit Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum: 20+ Leading SEL Programs. You can also contact your child’s school to learn about their chosen SEL curriculum! 

School social workers work in conjunction with the ABSS Exceptional Children’s Department as members of a school’s autism team. They are trained to provide narrative social-developmental histories and functional behavior assessment and behavior intervention plans. School social workers often serve as members of their schools Multi-System of Support Teams (MTSS) and are experts in helping families bridge school and community for their special needs child. Don’t hesitate to contact your school social worker if you have questions or need assistance about your child’s special education needs or services.

“School Social Worker, Terry Scott, Pleasant Grove Elementary”