Document Type
Policy Advocacy Brief
Publication Date
3-2026
Issue Statement/Executive Summary
School social workers are essential to student well-being and academic success, yet current caseloads and unclear role expectations prevent them from providing effective, evidence-based support. School social workers improve graduation rates, reduce behavioral challenges, and strengthen school engagement, but only when staffing levels and role clarity allow them to work within their professional scope. Without policy action, Minnesota schools will continue to rely on crisis-driven models that leave students without early intervention and place social workers at high risk for burnout. Rural districts will face even greater inequities, as many students already depend on schools as their only access point for mental health care. Stable funding, manageable caseloads, and clear service models are necessary to ensure that school social workers can meet rising student needs. Strengthening school social work capacity is a direct investment in student safety, mental health, and long-term academic outcomes.
Department
Social Work
Recommended Citation
Dailey, K., Kassin, F., Rahming, R., & Soto, A. (2026). Strengthening school social work: Improving student outcomes through stronger support systems. MSW Program Policy Advocacy Briefs, Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/msw-student-policy-advocacy-briefs/69
