Reps. Scholten, Moore, Garcia Introduce Bill to Support School Social Workers, Improve Student Success

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) introduced the School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act, which would establish a national grant program to improve recruitment and retention of school social workers. The Representatives also introduced a resolution to recognize this week, March 2nd - 6th, as School Social Work Week to highlight the life-changing work these professionals do in their communities. Representative Scholten directly thanked West Michigan's school social workers here.

"During School Social Work Week, we recognize the incredible school social workers across West Michigan and our whole country who show up for our students every day," said Rep. Scholten. "At a time when so many young people are facing mental health challenges, school social workers provide critical support that helps students feel safe and supported. Their work removes barriers, connects families with vital resources, and helps create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. I'm proud to lead this effort to make sure their services are available to every student who needs them, and I'm grateful for their deep commitment to our communities."

School social workers are mental health professionals who provide many services, including crisis intervention, behavioral management in the classroom, and educational programs, and they serve as a community-liaison to provide child-specific resources and support to families. The School Social Work Association of America and other professional organizations recommend one school social worker for every 250 students. However, according to the National School Counselor Association, the current national ratio is 408 students to one school social worker.

"School social workers provide critical services to our students, including mental health care. With so many of our young people facing mental health struggles, we must address the shortage of these social workers in our schools, so students don't feel alone and can access the support they need. Our legislation helps our students and recognizes school social workers' life-changing work in our communities," said Rep. Moore.

"Every single day, school social workers across the country work tirelessly to help students overcome mental health challenges, bullying, and stress both inside and outside of the classroom. When I worked as a social worker, I saw firsthand how the support of school social workers improved the lives of children, their families, and the broader community. As Chair of the Congressional Social Work Caucus, I'm proud to support the following legislation recognizing School Social Work Week and to advocate for more professionals in schools. I encourage everyone to thank our school social workers, because their success plays a vital role in shaping our future leaders," said Rep. Garcia.

Specifically, the School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act would:

• Amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grant program to find additional school social workers and retain school social workers. Grants would be awarded to elementary and secondary schools to hire and retain the minimum ratio of one school social worker for every 250 students and one school social worker for every 50 students for high-need areas.
• Establish the National Technical Assistance Center for School Social Work, which would provide strategies on improving the effectiveness of school social work, identify areas of improvement for school social work programs, work with agencies on disseminating data on best practices, and strengthen school social work development programming.

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