Interview 1 - American School Social Worker

Date of interview: 5/18/2025

What role do you play in special education? 

I work as a school social worker for the Early Learning Center.

What specific services do you provide to students with special needs? 

I provide a range of services focused on students' IEP goals, including pull-out support, individual and group counseling, and push-in services. Additionally, I offer non-mandated support for all students, such as help with bereavement and family transitions. I also deliver social-emotional learning lessons in all Kindergarten classrooms.

What does parent involvement look like in your profession? 

I maintain ongoing communication throughout the year with the parents of students receiving mandated services. This includes contact on an as-needed basis, participation in Parent-Teacher Conferences, involvement in IEP re-evaluations, and annual reviews where student progress is discussed. Additionally, I complete social histories for all students with IEPs as part of the evaluation and re-evaluation process, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each child's background and needs.

What comes to mind when you hear the word inclusion? 

When I hear the word inclusion, I think of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the commitment to providing all students with the resources they need to succeed within a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Inclusion means ensuring that students with disabilities are supported in the least restrictive environment and have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. I also think of the importance of personalized interventions that are tailored to each student's unique needs, strengths, and goals. 

Do you believe that students should be placed in an already existing structure, or that structures should be shaped to fit the needs of individual learners? 

I believe that structures should be shaped to fit the needs of individual learners, not the other way around. Every student has unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles, and it's our responsibility as educators to create flexible, responsive environments that support their growth. An inclusive and equitable education system requires us to adapt our approaches, supports, and structures to ensure that all students can thrive.

What are your thoughts on the legally mandated aspects of special education in America? For example: IEPs, 504s, BIPs, etc.

I believe that the legally mandated aspects of special education - such as IEPs, 504 plans, and BIPs- are essential tools for ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed. IEPs are comprehensive, dynamic documents that provide a clear overview of a student's background, areas of need, goals, and the accommodations or modifications required. They are collaborative and fluid, evolving as the student grows and their needs change. 504 Plans are also important, as they outline necessary accommodations that allow students with disabilities to  access the general education curriculum. Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) are valuable because they offer staff clear, consistent strategies to address specific behaviors, helping to create a supportive and predictable environment for the student. 

What special education services or practices do you feel are most beneficial in America?

In my experience, the most beneficial special education practices are those that address the whole child- academically, socially, and emotionally. I find that individualized instruction aligned with IEP goals, combined with a collaborative team approach involving families and staff, creates a strong foundation for student success. Inclusive models with push-in and pull-out services allow for targeted support while keeping students connected to the general education setting. I also believe that school-based counseling services are essential. Providing students with access to individual or group counseling helps them build emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience, which directly supports their ability to learn and engage in school. When academic and emotional supports are integrated, students are better equipped to reach their full potential. 

If you could change one thing about special education in America, what would it be?

There is a critical need for increased funding in special education, particularly to support student mental health. With the growing mental health needs among children and adolescents, schools must have more access to trained professionals such as social workers, school psychologists, and counselors. Unfortunately, some schools still lack even one full-time mental health provider. Investing in these roles is essential- not only for supporting students with IEPs but also for creating safe, supportive learning environments for all students.