Press Releases

Contact: 

Nicole Y. Williams or Staci Cox 

(202) 225- 4572

 

 

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) introduced a resolution that would designate March 3 – 9 as “School Social Work Week.” She released the following statement:

 

“This week, I am so proud to introduce this resolution to recognize the many contributions of school social workers. While I recognize the incredibly important role teachers play in a student’s success, school social workers are especially equipped to mentor students dealing with poverty, disability, discrimination or other issues in their personal lives. Often these issues can become a barrier to learning unless handled properly. By working to strengthen positive social and emotional development in our children, school social workers improve the success rate of children coming from a disadvantaged background, lending a much-needed hand in our efforts to create a more equal society.

 

“Unfortunately, there are often not enough school social workers to meet the needs of at-risk youth. The 1:250 maximum recommended ratio of social workers to students is exceeded in almost all school districts with some experiencing ratios as high as 1:21,000. That’s why I’ve introduced the School Social Workers Improving Student Success (SSWISS) Act (H.R. 563). If passed, the SWISS Act would create a grant program that helps high-need schools hire additional social workers who would be tasked with targeting their services toward the highest need students. 

 

“As we continue to explore ways to improve our educational system, let us use this week to recognize the contributions of school social workers and the vital role they play in helping our children reach their fullest potential.”