Which statement best describes the role of the school social worker regarding district policy on social and emotional learning (SEL)?

• A. Be familiar with district SEL policy and contribute to its implementation for all students.
• B. Develop the SEL curriculum for teachers.
• C. Limit SEL involvement to high-need students.
• D. Supervise SEL program evaluation only.

Answer: (A)

District SEL policy sets universal expectations and practices that apply to every student, guiding how schools weave social-emotional learning into instruction, climate, and supports. A school social worker’s role is to know that policy well and serve as a bridge between district directives and what happens in the building. They help translate policy into concrete, school-wide actions that benefit all students, not just a subset, by supporting teachers, coordinating MTSS-related SEL services, offering staff training, and contributing to data-driven decisions about social-emotional outcomes. This broad, collaborative involvement ensures equity and consistency across the school.

Developing the SEL curriculum for teachers isn’t primarily the school social worker’s duty; curriculum development typically rests with curriculum specialists or teachers in collaboration with administrators. Limiting involvement to high-need students contradicts the universal focus of most SEL policies, which aim to reach all students. Supervising SEL program evaluation only narrows the role to oversight rather than actively implementing and embedding policy across the whole school. The best approach combines policy familiarity with active, universal implementation for every student.