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Summary
Social work education needs to bridge the gap with practice in policy analysis and synthesis. Findings suggest training for all social work students in policy practice skills.
Area of Science:
- Social Work Education
- Public Policy Practice
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- Identified a significant gap between social work practice and educational preparation in state and local policy.
- Policy analysis/synthesis is a critical but under-addressed area within social work policy practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide baseline data for developing effective social work curriculum in policy analysis/synthesis.
- To inform the integration of policy practice skills into social work education.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 72 policy practitioners using two instruments.
- Collected data on practitioners' work tasks and skill sets in policy analysis/synthesis.
Main Results:
- Practitioners identified specific tasks and skills essential for effective policy analysis/synthesis.
- Findings indicate a need for administrative training, even for technical planning roles.
Conclusions:
- Baccalaureate social work education should incorporate training for policy practice.
- Curriculum development must align with the practical demands of policy analysis and synthesis in social work.