(a) Accumulated data is needed to identify and assess the workload, duties, and responsibilities of school social workers. The 2009 basic education plan drafted by the department of education:
(1) Delegates to the local education agency the ultimate responsibility for the operation of a system of education and support services that is reasonably designed and adequately resourced to achieve compliance with all aspects of the basic education plan;
(2) Requires that the local education agency provide a supportive and nurturing school community; and
(3) Provides adequate psychological, mental health, and social services.
(b) The state department of education shall develop a standard measure that will identify the number of school social workers in the state, and the actual nature and scope of work and services that they provide. Specifically, it shall solicit information concerning:
(1) Prevention and intervention services;
(2) Counselor services assessments;
(3) Consultation;
(4) Parent and community liaison;
(5) Attempts to reduce violence;
(6) Referrals and collaboration; and
(7) Promoting adherence to federal mandates, involvement in school activities, and training.
(c) School departments shall ascertain and forward to the state department of education the following information:
(1) The number of social assessments completed;
(2) The number of family contacts;
(3) The number of staff meetings attended;
(4) The number of community contacts;
(5) The number of teacher consultation contacts;
(6) The number of functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) completed;
(7) The number of individualized educational plan (IEP) meetings attended;
(8) The number of individual counseling sessions; and
(9) The number of group counseling sessions.
(d) Every school social worker shall complete this standard measure for one complete school year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 162, § 3; P.L. 2018, ch. 197, § 3.