Minnesota School Social Worker Association (MSSWA) collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in partnership to develop this exceptional reference guide for school social work practitioners and school administrators. The manual has been divided into sections for easier access.  Please click on the highlighted links below.

MANUAL FOR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE created 2007, revised 2015 & 2020

Purpose: Clarification of the role of school social work services in Minnesota schools

Cover and Preface: An overview of practice and collaboration, focusing on the unique contribution School social workers bring to children, schools and communities.

Acknowledgements: The manual tapped the expertise of many social work professionals who generously shared their time and resources.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Mission of the Social Work Practice
Chapter 2   School Social Work Practice
Chapter 3   Professional Development 
Chapter 4   Legal Mandates
Chapter 5   Student Evaluation and Assessment Procedures
Chapter 6   School Social Work Services
Chapter 7   Special Education Policies and Procedures for SSW Services in Schools
Chapter 8   Children's Mental Health
Chapter 9   Social Work Professional Association and Professional Resources
Chapter 10  Appendix

Download a pdf of this manual here

The Original Authors of this Manual are: