School Problems and School Social Work: Roles, Challenges, and Systemic Interventions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the roles of school social workers, interconnected systemic factors, equity dimensions, and school challenges from Chapter 10 of Introduction to Social Work.

Caseworker

A school social work role focused on assessing student needs and coordinating support and referrals.

Group Worker

A school social work role centered on leading groups focused on social skills, emotions, and conflict.

Attendance Officer

A school social work role that identifies barriers preventing students from attending school and works directly with families.

Counselor

A school social work role dedicated to supporting students coping with stress, grief, and bullying.

Parent Liaison

A school social work role that connects families with teachers and school services.

Belonging

The educational condition recognizing that students learn best when they feel respected, included, and safe.

Opportunity

The concept that school experiences shape long-term outcomes, including future education, work, and community life.

Unequal Resources

A systemic barrier where schools and families experience disparate access to staff, technology, transportation, and learning supports.

Learning and Literacy Needs

Educational challenges where students require tutoring, disability supports, language access, or assistance reconnecting with school.

School Climate

The environmental conditions of a school where issues such as bullying, exclusion, or feeling unsafe can directly interfere with attendance and learning.

Staffing and Working Conditions

School-level factors—including high workloads, limited supplies, and safety concerns—that can make it harder for educators and staff to support students.

Access (Equity Dimension)

An aspect of educational equity focused on whether students have essential necessities such as transportation, internet, supplies, and school services.

Support (Equity Dimension)

An aspect of educational equity centered on providing necessary services such as tutoring, language services, and disability accommodations.

Voice (Equity Dimension)

An aspect of educational equity assessing whether students and families are actively heard in decisions.

Academic Learning

A primary school goal prioritizing subject instruction in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking.

Safety and Respect

A fundamental school goal emphasizing the active prevention of bullying, harassment, and violence.

Whole-Person Growth

A school goal focused on supporting social and emotional development, interpersonal relationships, and extracurricular activities.

Bullying

Repeated physical, verbal, or social harm that can occur in person or digitally through phones and online spaces.

Five-Step Response to Bullying

A systematic social work response sequence: 1) Listen, 2) Check safety, 3) Follow policy, 4) Coordinate, and 5) Follow up.