MSW - Missions, Goals
and Program Indicators
|
|
1.
Program Mission, Goals, and Objectives
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goals, Obectives, and Performance indicators
Program Mission
1.0
The social work program has a mission appropriate to
professional social work education as defined in Educational
Policy, Section 1.1. The program’s mission is
appropriate to the level or levels for which it is preparing
students for practice and is consistent with the institution’s
mission.
Western
Kentucky University’s vision and mission drive the implementation of the Master of Social Work Program
(MSW). “Western Kentucky University aspires to
be the best comprehensive public institution in Kentucky
and among the best in the nation.” The University’s
mission: Western Kentucky University prepares students
to be productive citizens of a global society and provides
service and lifelong learning opportunities for its
constituents” (Graduate Handbook, p. 3). The University
has adopted a Quality Enhancement Plan theme “Engaging
Students for Success in a Global Society” for
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Accreditation.
The MSW Program embraces the integration of social work
professional values and practice principles which link
to the University’s vision and mission. The social
work faculty and administrators created and implemented
six basic tenets to undergird the University’s
vision and mission. According to these tenets, social
workers need to be competent professionals with:
o An adherence to the professional standards of ethics,
o A respect and appreciation for all aspects of diversity,
o A strong belief in community service, resource development,
and social and economic justice,
o A commitment to families and communities and agencies
servicing families and communities,
o An ability to influence the social, political, and
economic environment of the region, state, and nation,
and
o A commitment to “rurality” as a distinct
culture.
In keeping with the
tenets of the Program, the purpose of social work, constituent
needs, and the regional “rurality” characteristics
of south central and western Kentucky, the MSW Program
mission is “To educate and prepare students for
professional social work practice to meet the needs
of increasingly diverse rural populations.” The
Program is particularly dedicated to addressing the
work force needs of agencies working with Kentucky’s
families, communities and with emphasizes on professional
and scholarly service to rural areas, the community,
the state, and the nation.
1.1
The program has goals derived from its mission. These
goals reflect the purposes of the Educational Policy,
Section 1.1. Program goals are not limited to these
purposes.The MSW Program goals are derived from its
mission and reflects the purpose of the social work
profession (E.P. 1.1) as well as the Program’s
aim to develop social work professionals who have the
knowledge, values, and skills necessary to meet the
needs of increasingly diverse rural populations
The goals of the Program are designed
to provide a level of competence that includes quality
leadership that is grounded in the historical roots
of the profession. The needs of the community along
with the purposes of the profession influence the four
goals of the MSW Program. These goals are:
MSW Program
Goals:
1.
To produce competent practitioners within rural areas.
2. To increase the number of practitioners with professional
values and standards of cultural competence who are
creative and ethically accountable in their practice
with diverse rural populations.
3. To apply critical knowledge that cultivates and synthesizes
an understanding of the complex needs within the culture
of rural communities, including research, training,
continuing education, and other relevant projects.
4. To impact the social, economic, and political environments
of rural areas in order to empower constituents and
influence social welfare policies, practices, and services.
The
principle of theory-driven practice as part of the social
work knowledge base (E.P. 1.1) is central to the educational
model and practice that is reflected in the Program’s
mission and goals. Systems/ecosystems theory along with
professional values, skills and practice principles
(E.P. 1.1), influenced the development of Goal 4 (to
impact the social, economic, and political environment).
The profession has a history and philosophy of social
justice and empowerment-focused change in order to enhance
the quality of life for individuals, including the alleviation
of poverty and oppression. In addition, the rural geographical
area of the Program impacts the mission and, hence,
the goals. Goal 3 focuses on the complex needs within
the culture of rural communities, while Goal 4 focuses
on impacting the social, economic, and political environments
of rural areas. Goal 2 reflects the Program’s
commitment to address the work force needs of agencies
working with Kentucky’s families and communities.
Unfortunately, there is a long history of not providing
an adequate number of MSW’s in south central and
western Kentucky to serve constituents within the rural
communities. The DAC MSW Sub-committee also identified
the ability to meet client needs with available resources
as a capacity needed by employers of social workers.
Goal 1 also directly reflects the aspect of the mission
dedicated to educating and preparing social workers
to meet the needs of increasingly diverse rural populations.
The Program’s guiding theories (systems, empowerment,
and the strengths perspective) encourage students to
do this in a holistic way that considers micro, mezzo,
and macro issues, supports individuals, families, and
communities to formulate and work toward their own goals,
and that builds upon existing assets and resources.
These
goals reflect the purposes of social work education
in a number of ways. First they are grounded in the
profession’s history and commitment to social
justice. As mentioned in the paragraph above, Goal 4
addresses social and economic inequality that is deeply
rooted in social work history (E.P. 1.1). Second, the
goals are designed to promote the preparation of competent
and effective social work professionals (E.P. 1.1).
Specifically, Goals 1 and 2 are focused toward this
end. Members of the DAC MSW Sub-Committee stressed the
need for competent advanced direct practitioners in
rural areas. In order for social work practice to be
effective and competent, practitioners must posses a
wide range of knowledge and skills for culturally based
practice, which includes an understanding and appreciation
for the historical context of poverty and oppression.
1.2
The program has objectives that are derived from the
program goals. These objectives are consistent with
Educational Policy, Section 3. Program objectives are
reflected in program implementation and continuous assessment
(see Accreditation Standard 8)..
The WKU MSW Program’s objectives
and performance indicators span the foundation and concentration
curricula, inclusive of traditional roles of faculty.
The objectives apply to students,
graduates, and faculty of the Program. Performance indicators
are focused on students as well as faculty outcomes.
Performance indicators are consistent with CSWE outcome
objectives for programs.
The program has a numbering system
which links the performance indicator with the goal
and objective. Note that the first number in the system
is the program goal, the second number is the objective,
and the last number is the performance indicator number.
For example, 1.1.1f is the first student performance
indicator and is linked to Goal 1, Objective 1 for the
foundation year, whereas 4.1.12c is student performance
indicator number 12 in the concentration year and it
links to Goal 4, Objective 1, the letter after the performance
indicator refers to the foundation (f) or concentration
(c) year as noted above.
Back to Top
The objectives align with the Program
Goals and student Performance Indicators (outcome measures)
as follows:
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS
1. Goal
1: To produce competent practitioners within rural areas.
1.1 Objective 1: To apply a generalist
perspective to social work practice.
1.1.1f Utilize critical thinking
within the context of social work practice, including
an understanding of organizations and the need for planned
change within service delivery systems. (EPAS 3.0.1
and EPAS 3.0.12)
1.1.2f Apply a generalist social work perspective across
all system levels, integrating a broad range of knowledge
and theories. (EPAS 3.0.M6)
1.1.3f Synthesize and apply theoretical frameworks of
practice interventions that incorporate knowledge of
developmental and behavioral interactions between individuals
and multiple systems. (EPAS 3.0.7 and EPAS 3.0.12)
1.1.4f Utilize various communication skills differentially
to articulate and advocate for diverse populations and
communities. (EPAS 3.0.3 and EPAS 3.0.10)
1.1.5f Demonstrate professional use of self by engaging
in consultation and supervision. (EPAS 3.0.11)
1.2 Objective 2: To produce advanced
practitioners for self-directed practice in rural settings.
1.2.1c Generalize foundation knowledge
and skills to advanced direct practice in rural settings
1.2.2c Integrate specialized knowledge and skills necessary
for effective advanced direct practice with rural systems.
1.2.3c Implement community organization and community
development plans to impact rural communities.
1.2.4c Demonstrate effective leadership and administrative
skills.
1.2.5c Demonstrate differential professional use of
self.
Back to Top
2. Goal
2: To increase the number of practitioners with professional
values and standards of cultural competence who are
creative and ethically accountable in their practice
with diverse rural populations.
2.1 Objective 1: To produce practitioners
who have a strong appreciation and understanding of
the values and ethics of social work.
2.1.6f Understand and apply social work values and ethics
in social work practice with an appreciation for empowerment,
diversity, and client strengths. (EPAS 3.0.2)
2.1.7f Identify the impact of value conflicts and ethical
dilemmas in social work practice related to ability,
age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure,
gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion,
and sexual orientation. (EPAS 3.0.2 and 3.0.3)
2.1.6c Integrate an understanding of “rurality”
as a distinct culture that is interrelated with other
aspects of diversity.
2.1.7c Manage value and ethical conflicts common in
rural environments.
2.2 Objective 2: To demonstrate culturally competent
standards of social work practice in rural settings.
2.2.8c Evaluate compliance with NASW Cultural Competence
Standards of Practice.
2.3 Objective 3: To demonstrate ethical standards of
social work practice in rural settings.
2.3.9c Evaluate compliance with NASW Code of Ethics.
Back to Top
3. Goal
3: To apply critical knowledge that cultivates and synthesizes
an understanding of the complex needs within the culture
of rural communities, including research, training,
continuing education, and other relevant projects.
3.1 Objective 1: To produce practitioners
who practice from an evidence-based perspective.
3.1.8f Critique and interpret research
studies on societal issues and evaluate their relevance
and contributions to social work practice. (EPAS 3.0.9)
3.1.9f Integrate research techniques and technology
for evaluating one’s own practice. (EPAS 3.0.9)
3.1.10c Demonstrate research competencies within the
rural practice milieu.
3.1.11c Critically analyze current practice research.
3.2 Objective 2: To contribute to
the professional literature related to the complex strengths,
needs, and challenges of rural areas.
3.3 Objective 3: To increase opportunities for continuing
education.
Back to Top
4. Goal
4: To impact the social, economic, and political environment
of rural areas in order to empower constituents and
influence social welfare policies, practices, and services.
4.1 Objective 1: To produce practitioners
for effective policy practice.
4.1.10f Interpret historical events
and circumstances as they apply to contemporary social
policies and services. (EPAS 3.0.5)
4.1.11f Analyze policies and their implications in order
to formulate effective service delivery. (EPAS 3.0.4
and EPAS 3.0.8)
4.1.12f Apply strategies and interventions that promote
social, economic, and political justice that include
an understanding of oppression, discrimination, and
social change. (EPAS 3.0.4 and 3.0.12)
4.1.12c Perform as a policy practitioner within the
rural setting.
4.1.13c Apply skills in administration, community planning,
and development.
4.2 Objective 2: To increase services and policies that
promote social justice in rural areas.
Back to Top
MSW Program
goals, objectives, and faculty performance indicators.
Goal 2:
To increase the number of practitioners with professional
values and standards of cultural competence who are
creative and ethically accountable in their practice
with diverse rural populations
Objective: To demonstrate culturally competent standards
of social work practice in rural settings.
* Provide continuing education on
culturally competent practice.
* Participate in scholarly activities
that promote culturally competent standards of practice.
* Demonstrate culturally competent
practice.
Objective: To demonstrate ethical
standards of social work practice in rural settings.
* Provide continuing education on
ethical practice.
* Participate in scholarly activities
that promote ethically competent standards of practice.
* Demonstrate ethically competent
practice.
Goal
3: To apply critical knowledge that cultivates and synthesizes
an understanding of the complex needs within the culture
of rural communities, including research, training,
continuing education, and other relevant projects.
Objective: To produce practitioners
who practice from an evidence-based perspective.
* Develop literature on advanced
direct practice that focuses on the complex rural culture.
* Implement continuing education for direct practice
in rural settings.
Objective: To contribute to the professional
literature related to the complex strengths, needs,
and challenges of rural areas.
* Conduct grant funded research.
* Publish relevant articles or other materials.
* Mentor students’ scholarly pursuits.
* Submit scholarly work.
Objective: To increase opportunities
for continuing education.
* Conduct presentations and workshops.
* Assume leadership roles in establishing standards
for continuing education.
* Provide workshops in their (student/alumni) agencies
and in the community.
Goal 4:
To impact the social, economic, and political environment
of rural areas in order to empower constituents and
influence social welfare policies, practices, and services.
Objective: To increase services and
policies that promote social justice in rural areas.
* Write service grants for rural community needs.
* Serve on community based groups that cultivate social
justice.
* Facilitate social justice activities within alumni’s
agencies and communities.
* Serve on community based groups that cultivate social
justice.
Back to Top
|
