School Reform: Linking Public Schools with Human Services

Linking schools and human services has become an important part of the school reform movement in the United States. This article reviews current school reform efforts designed to link human services with public schools. Contemporary school reforms aimed at linking schools and human services are placed in a historical context that begins with the reforms initiated by the progressive educators. Administrative and policy issues that serve as an impetus for the current resurgence of interest in linking human services and school programs are highlighted. Five alternative approaches for linking public schools and human services are discussed. Suggestions are offered concerning level of commitment, planning, training, leadership patterns, resources, funding, and change necessary for public schools to pursue each of the approaches. Six core areas of expertise that social workers provide for successfully linking public schools and human services are summarized.