There is a great need for social workers in the school system. This is clearly evident in the effects that they have on the academic success of students which will be cited below: First of all, social workers look into and address the “social service needs of students” (National Association of Social Workers, 2002). For instance, they are also in charge of the progress and development of “communication between the school representatives, as well as, the guardians or parents of the student” (National Association of Social Workers, 2002).
If the student exhibits poor performance, absents himself/herself too much from school, displays unwanted behaviors/attitudes, etc then it is up to the social worker to find the best way on how to handle the situation the best he or she could (National Association of Social Workers, 2002). Eventually, such dilemma will be addressed and the student will change his or her ways and thus, improving on his or her academic standing also (National Association of Social Workers, 2002).Furthermore, social workers are able to find out and help out with the student’s situation in case he or she is faced with circumstances like: “poor living conditions, underprivileged socioeconomic status, pitiable/unfortunate health” (National Association of Social Workers, 2002). Those situations aforementioned that the student encounters will definitely negatively affect his or her academic performance (National Association of Social Workers, 2002). It is then absolutely clear that social workers play a large role in the academic success of students (National Association of Social Workers, 2002).Last but not least, social workers are obliged to “support the academic standards of their school districts” or “developing training that address the goals and mission of the educational institution (National Association of Social Workers, 2002).
By doing so and in the process, they train and develop social/behavioral skills of students, which in turn, will be extremely helpful in motivating the student to improve himself in term of academic performance (National Association of Social Workers, 2002).
