SSWAA National Census

about the census

The National School Social Worker Census, conducted by the SSWAA, collected essential data on the number of school social workers in the United States and the challenges they face. Initiated to address inconsistencies in certification and educational standards, the findings from the census aim to inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts within the profession.

By highlighting the need for accurate data, the report empowers school social workers to advocate for their roles and secure the resources necessary to support students, families, and communities effectively. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the visibility and legitimacy of school social work as a vital component of the educational landscape.

Key Findings

SSWAA sought input from state school social work leaders on counting school social workers. Leaders expressed doubts about accuracy due to varied job titles, inconsistent certification, and insufficient data.

The National Census examines the number of school social workers per state, revealing significant disparities compared to the recommended ratio of 1 school social worker for every 250 PK-12 students. No state meets this benchmark, highlighting the need for further examination and support. For detailed insights, please refer to the full report.

The National Census emphasizes the challenges school social workers face in achieving parity with their colleagues in counseling and psychology. The lack of uniformity in job titles and credentialing creates significant obstacles that hinder the profession's growth and recognition. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making a larger impact in school mental health services.

Unlocking the Numbers: Leveraging Census Data to Elevate School Social Work

Join SSWAA leaders as they explore the National Census findings and their impact on the school social work profession. Learn about the challenges we face and the strategic actions being implemented to advocate for equitable resources and support for every student.

Watch now and be part of the change!

Take Action

Letter Templates

Make your voice heard! Use our customizable letter template to reach out to PTO/PTA, school principals, and superintendents. This template provides a structured way to express your thoughts and advocate for the importance of school social work.

Letter for School Leaders (Superintendents, Principals, PTOs/PTAs)

Letter for Legislators

Customizable Letter (share your local data)

Social Media Graphics & Sample Posts

Help amplify the findings of the National Census by sharing our social media graphics! Click on the images below to download and share them on your platforms. We’ve also prepared a document with sample posts to accompany each image, making it easy for you to advocate for school social work.

Instructions:

Download the Images: Click on the images to download them to your device.
Use Our Sample Posts: Access our Sample Post Document for suggested captions and hashtags to accompany your shares.
Spread the Word: Share your posts on social media and encourage your network to join the conversation!

Let’s raise awareness about the importance of school social work together!

SSWAA's Commitment to Addressing Concerns

In response to the findings of the National Census: The Status of School Social Work, the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) is committed to implementing a strategic plan aimed at addressing the critical challenges facing the profession. Key initiatives include:

Establishing Policies: SSWAA will advocate for the establishment of state departments of education certification and title protection in every state to achieve parity with school counselors and psychologists.
Standardizing Requirements: The association aims to align the requirements for entering the school social work field by making recommendations to state departments of education, addressing disparities across states.
Program Approval Process: SSWAA plans to develop a process for approving higher education programs for school social work that align with recommended entry-level preparation standards and competencies.
Research Agenda: A focused research agenda will be established to fill gaps identified in the census findings and support ongoing improvement in school social work practices.
Recognition of Exemplary Programs: SSWAA will create a process to recognize PK-12 schools that demonstrate exemplary school social work programs, aligning with the SSWAA National School Social Work Practice Model.
Credential Requirements: The minimum requirements for credentialing will reflect the specialized knowledge and educational preparation identified in the SSWAA definition of a highly qualified school social worker.

Through these initiatives, SSWAA seeks to strengthen the profession of school social work, ensuring that practitioners have the necessary support and recognition to effectively serve students, families, and communities.

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