School Social Worker Perspectives on Faculty Performance Evaluations

Abstract The National Evaluation Framework for School Social Work Practice is an evaluation tool developed over a decade ago to provide clarity and guidance on how to evaluate the roles and duties of school social workers (SSWers). As SSWers have varying roles and responsibilities in different school ecosystems, the need to use a valid and reliable measurement is important as performance evaluations can influence the fidelity of prevention and intervention methods, needed duties at Tiers 1–3, compensation, and job stability. The participants completed an online survey with open-ended items and Likert scale items. The results revealed four themes: (1) the differing roles of SSWers at all levels of the school ecosystem, (2) unclear performance expectations, (3) support and well-being and work-related stress, and (4) resources needed for work performance. This article also provides implications for future practice and research on training, the implementation of the National Evaluation Framework School Social Work Practice, and leadership in the school ecosystem and school district.