School Social Work

Amanda

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Bridging Support Roles

In this 30-minute session, participants will gain a clear understanding of school social workers’ roles in MTSS Tier 2, explore targeted supports for truancy and homelessness, and discuss best practices for family engagement.

Understanding and leveraging school social workers’ expertise enhances team-based supports, bolsters student well-being, and ensures families access critical resources.

Audience

Teachers and School Administrators

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Informational presentation and guided discussion

Materials

Overview Slide Deck, and Flipchart & Markers

Prep

Review Session Materials

10 minutes

Familiarize yourself with the Overview Slide Deck.
Set up the room with flipcharts and markers.

Step 1

Introduction & Objectives

5 minutes

Welcome participants and state the session objectives.
Briefly review the agenda and desired outcomes.

Step 2

Role Overview Presentation

7 minutes

Display the Overview Slide Deck.
Highlight key functions and contributions of school social workers in Tier 2 supports.

Step 3

Targeted Supports Presentation

8 minutes

On the slide “Targeted Supports: Truancy & Homelessness,” review each intervention.
Explain data monitoring for attendance, McKinney-Vento coordination, and outreach methods.
Illustrate homelessness supports: emergency kits, housing referrals, onsite clinics, and community partnerships.

Step 4

Collaborative Family Support Discussion

8 minutes

Use the slide “Collaborating with Social Workers: Family Support.”
Facilitate an open discussion with the school social worker on:
- Coordinating housing, food, and transportation resources.
- Effective communication channels (home visits, phone calls, info sessions).
- Linking families to mental health services, workshops, and peer support.
- Maximizing McKinney-Vento protections and community partnerships.

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Q&A

2 minutes

Summarize key takeaways and best practices.
Address any final questions.
Provide contact info for ongoing support: socialwork@district.org.

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Slide Deck

Bridging Support Roles: School Social Workers in Tier 2

Professional Learning Session for Teachers & Administrators
30 minutes

Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and thank participants for joining. Explain that today’s 30-minute session will focus on clarifying and strengthening the role of school social workers within MTSS Tier 2.

Session Objectives

Clarify evolving roles of school social workers in Tier 2
Map responsibilities to current student needs
Develop actionable strategies for daily practice

Read each objective aloud and invite participants to reflect on why these goals matter. Emphasize that clear roles and shared planning drive effective support.

MTSS Tier 2 Overview

Tier 2 provides targeted group interventions for students exhibiting risk factors.
School social workers contribute by designing and delivering these supports in collaboration with school teams.

Briefly review MTSS tiers, then zoom in on Tier 2. Highlight how targeted group interventions differ from universal and intensive supports.

Key Functions of School Social Workers

Conduct small-group counseling and social skills groups
Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment
Consult with teachers, families, and community agencies
Coordinate referrals and monitor student progress
Identify and support students experiencing chronic absenteeism and homelessness

Walk through each function. Ask participants which of these they’ve seen or used in their setting. Invite quick examples.

Benefits of Collaboration

Leverages specialized expertise to strengthen interventions
Promotes cohesive, team-based problem solving
Enhances consistency in support across staff and settings
Improves student engagement, resilience, and well-being

Explain that collaboration amplifies impact. Share a brief anecdote or data point if possible.

Targeted Supports: Truancy & Homelessness

Monitor attendance data and conduct outreach to chronically absent students
Conduct home visits or safe-call check-ins to engage families
Facilitate attendance support groups and mentoring programs
Coordinate McKinney-Vento services (immediate enrollment, transportation support)
Partner with local shelters and housing agencies for stable housing referrals
Provide hygiene kits and emergency supply packs (clothing, toiletries, school supplies)
Arrange on-site mobile health or mental health clinics for accessible care
Organize seasonal clothing drives, laundry vouchers, and transportation assistance

Detail specific interventions for truancy and homelessness. Mention McKinney-Vento rights, local attendance teams, and community partners.

Collaborating with Social Workers: Family Support

Coordinate housing, food, and transportation resources through community partnerships
Establish regular communication channels: home visits, phone calls, and family information sessions
Link families to mental health services, parenting workshops, and peer support groups
Leverage McKinney-Vento protections: immediate enrollment, transportation assistance, emergency grants
Partner with local shelters and service agencies for stable housing and wrap-around supports
Offer emergency supply kits (hygiene, clothing, school materials) and on-site health screenings

Collaborate with school social workers to surface best practices for family engagement and resource support.

Action Planning & Next Steps

Use the Action Planning Template to outline 1–2 strategies
Assign responsible team members and set timelines
Schedule a follow-up check-in or meeting date
Document expected outcomes and monitoring steps

Explain the action planning process. Distribute the Action Planning Template and define next steps.

Thank You & Contact Information

Thank you for your partnership in strengthening student supports!
For questions or additional resources, contact the School Social Work Team:
socialwork@district.org

Thank everyone for their contributions. Remind participants of available supports and encourage ongoing collaboration.