CHILD WELFARE POLICY AND PRACTICE

Course Details

Course Number: SOWK 3453-01  Section Number: 01

Fall 2011

Location: Martin Hall

Classroom Number: 106

Days & Times: Online Course

Course Attachments

Textbooks

Crosson-Tower, C. (2009). Exploring Child Welfare:
MSU Faculty Member
Carol Bisbee   
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Course Objectives

1.) Define key features of the child welfare system (emphases on Texas)

       2.) Examine the historical development of services

       3.) Identify unique needs and issues (human diversity)

       4.) Examine the impact of social and economic forces

       5.) Identify key concepts in child advocacy services

       6.) Identify key children=s services

       7.) Analyze policy impact on children=s services

       8.) Analyze bio-psycho-social variables

 


Course Expectations

MEASUREMENT OF OUTCOMES:  There will be four (4) exams during the semester. They will go over the material that has just been read, discussed in class or presented in a film or by a guest speaker. An effective way to study is to read over the Exploration Questions at the end of each chapter. Exams will be objective questions (multiple choice or true and false).

 

In addition, spot quizzes may be given. If you are prepared for class and we enter into healthy discussions, I am not as likely to give a quiz. Since quizzes are a method of testing your understanding of material, good class discussion will often let me know that you are prepared and understand what you have been reading.


Grading Standards

EVALUATION OF OUTCOMES: Standard grading is used (90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C;


60-69%=D; below 60%=F). A grade of a AC@ or higher indicates the student has completed the educational objectives.

 

Exam I           = 100 points                                                            360 to 400 = A

Exam II        = 100 points                                                        320 to 359 = B

Exam III       = 100 points                                                        280 to 319 = C

Final Exam    = 100 points                                                       240 to 279 = D

                         400 total points                                               239 or below = F


Final Exam12/8/2011  

Submission Format Policy

There will be no make-up exams UNLESS the student provides a written medical or other significant excuse.  A student leaving the classroom for any reason during an exam will turn in the exam as completed. When using Scantron sheets mark hard and erase well as there will be ABSOLUTELY NO CHANGES after the exams are scored!



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

After five absences the Dean of Students will be notified and I will either drop the student from class or the student will lose ten (10) points per day.

 


Other Policies

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: Professional Training

Students are expected to attend all classes, complete assigned readings and participate in class discussions. Attendance is critical to the accomplishment of the learning objectives. More than three absences may result in the student being administratively dropped from the class role or will lose 10 points per each absence. Work is not an excused absence.

 When the professor starts speaking, the class members will become quite. Rude or inappropriate                 behavior will not be tolerated. With the exception of an occasional tardy arrival to class students are           expected to be in class and on time. Anyone arriving to class after attendance has been taken, will be          counted as absent. Students shall not arrive to class late on days when there are invited speakers.

  Students are expected to abide by the N.A.S.W. code of ethics and behave in a respectful manner to           fellow students and faculty. Students behaviors may be discussed among social work faculty and the

 the Social Work Program Chair. A student maybe dropped from class with a AW.F.@ if the student= s behavior is disruptive in class.  


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.