Description:

This evaluation assessed the impact of the supports provided by the School Well-Being Social Workers (WBSWs) during the 2023–2024 school year. The evaluation primarily focused on 21 middle and 26 high schools with a dedicated on-site WBSW, while also examining the request process for WBSW consult or services in the remaining MCPS non-focus schools to assure all schools were aware they had access to supports provided by WBSWs. A non-experimental mixed method design was employed to investigate the experiences and perceptions of the supports and services provided by WBSWs and their impact on students and the school environment. This study included small group interviews with principals, surveys of school staff, and surveys of WBSWs.

Recommendations:

The following recommendations aimed to optimize the implementation of services and support from WBSWs and to enhance program improvement: 1) examine the fiscal feasibility of increasing WBSW positions to support more schools; 2) identify and share guidance on ways to address the gap in WBSW support and services for students, especially for students with IEPs; 3) strengthen the communication regarding services available by WBSWs and create intentional mechanisms for ongoing communication between WBSWs and school administrators; and 4) explore options to strengthen the methods for monitoring student progress.

A response to the recommendations in this report, prepared by the Office of School Support and Well-Being, can be found here.

File Name: Well-Being Social Worker Services 2023-2024 Final.pdf (4MB PDF)