Pupil Personnel Services Credential Program
School Social Work and Child Welfare & Attendance Program Review

Program Design

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 universities in the California State University system. Fresno State began as a normal school in 1911 and has a strong history of service and preparation of education professionals.  The Interim Dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development (KSOEHD), Randy Yerrick, is the Unit Head that oversees 16 credential programs. He is responsible to the Provost/Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who reports to the President. 

The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential with specializations in school social work and child welfare and attendance (CWA) is part of the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree program.  The program is offered through the Department of Social Work Education which is one of eight departments in the College of Health and Human Services.  The program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  Under the direction of the department chair, Martha Vungkhanching, business is conducted in assemblies, retreats, and regular meetings of the faculty in which all matters of the program and its curriculum are managed.  The coordination of the PPS program is assigned to Andrea Carlin.  She is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the PPS program and participates actively with all stakeholders to ensure program coherence and alignment with all accreditation standards.

The MSW and PPS program is one of several credential programs outside of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.  In order to coordinate effectively, KSOEHD convenes regular meetings of all credential program coordinators.  These meetings address important topics such as state and national accreditation standards and requirements, vision and mission statements, curriculum, administrative and policy matters, and collaboration among programs.  It meets periodically to review any program changes or issues for any of the advanced credential programs.  The PPS Coordinator is a member of the KSOEHD Program Coordinator’s committee. 

The M.S.W. and PPS is a two year, full-time program of 60 units: 50 units of course work and 10 units of concurrent field placement experience.   The core values of the Master of Social Work Degree program include social justice; diversity; empowerment; leadership; and dialogue.  The PPS credential program incorporates these values in its mission to prepare social workers to "perform services to children, parents, school personnel and community agencies to promote a school environment responsive to the needs of children and to plan educational programs which will prepare children to function in a culturally diversified society" (CA Ed Code 44046).  The program is designed to maximize the integration of theory and classroom knowledge with concurrent field instructed practice in the schools.  This curriculum model ensures that students experience the breadth and depth necessary to be prepared for social work practice in the public schools. 

The faculty in the Department of Social Work Education have been engaged in renewal of the MSW curriculum over the past 2 years.  This curriculum renewal process will meet the current standards of our national accrediting body, CSWE, as well as the newly adopted 2019 PPS standards from the CCTC.  This new curriculum is expected to be implemented in the same year as the scheduled Program Review site visit which will be based on the 2001 PPS standards.  The current curriculum feature strengthened foundation coursework in practice and research, closer integration of practice coursework and concurrent field internship assignments, standardized learning agreements and evaluations to guide all four semesters of internship, an integrative field seminar during the advanced year, and a more coherent delivery of the advanced research curriculum.  The curriculum of the MSW program and the PPS advanced practice classes is renewed annually and the PPS learning agreement addendum was also updated in 2018 based on stakeholder input.

Opportunities for stakeholder input occur regularly through a variety of channels.  Candidates provide input during the planning of the second year internship as well as through advising, supervision, representation on the PPS Credential committee, and program exit surveys. The PPS Coordinator works closely with both candidates and school districts in assigning students for field placement and all have the opportunity for input about the acceptability of the placement.  A faculty member with an MSW and PPS credential is assigned as a liaison to oversee the internship and provide support to the field instructor and student.  This role provides for regular exchange of information between the department and the school districts and facilitates stakeholder input.  Finally, input from local districts and schools occurs through regional meetings with all PPS field instructors and the PPS Credential Committee.  Meetings with PPS field instructors occur both on campus and at regional school sites to inform them of program changes, gather outcome data about the PPS program, and provide a forum for support and exchange of information.  The PPS Credential Committee is comprised of faculty, PPS field instructors, school administrators and PPS candidates.  It meets one to two times per year and also provides an opportunity for input regarding program delivery and outcomes.

Course of Study

The M.S.W. and PPS is a 60 unit, advanced credential program.  Foundation coursework and concurrent field internship for 400 hours are completed in the first year of the program. The advanced, multisystem social work practice concentration is delivered in the second year.  It consists of advanced coursework in all five levels of the multisystem concentration and concurrent advanced field internship, including the content specific to the PPS program.  The second year internship requires completion of 600 hours of supervised practice, a minimum of 100 hours at two developmental levels, and work with a minimum of 10 pupils ethnically different from the candidate for a minimum of 100 hours.  The course of study for a full-time PPS candidate is depicted in Table 1.  Field instruction is closely aligned with practice class content and guided by standardized learning agreements with assignments linked to each practice course.  A PPS learning agreement addendum is also utilized during both semesters of the internship to ensure that all PPS program requirements and competencies are addressed in the internship experience.  

Table 1:  Course of Study: Full-Time PPS Credential Program 

Field placements for the PPS program are available in a number of K-12 school districts throughout the central San Joaquin valley.  Placements must be approved by the Department of Social Work Education as meeting the requirements of the MSW and PPS program.  There are currently 16 regional school districts and one county Office of Education certified to provide PPS field placements.  An average of 20 candidates participate in the program each year and there have been a sufficient number of placements available to meet the demand. 

Oversight of the field internship experience is structured and well organized in the M.S.W. and PPS program.  Candidates participate in several program orientation meetings prior to beginning field instruction in the schools.  Requirements of the program are reviewed and compliance is confirmed by the PPS Coordinator prior to beginning internship.  Field instructors complete mandatory departmental training to fulfill their instructional role and also participate in annual, on-going training and professional development.  Candidates meet with the assigned MSW/PPS field instructor for supervision a minimum of one hour per week.  Department designated learning agreements from the MSW 2 Field Manual and a PPS addendum guide the learning experience and serve as the basis for evaluation of candidate performance at four points during the academic year.  Finally, a faculty liaison with a PPS credential oversees the learning experience and provides support to the field instructor and student.  The liaison role requires a minimum of four site visits per academic year.  

Assessment of Candidates

Upon matriculation into the MSW program, all students participate in a mandatory graduate student orientation in which university and program requirements are carefully reviewed. Students are referred to the University catalog, Division of Research and Graduate Studies, and the Department of Social Work Education website for access to important policies, requirements and documents regarding assessment of performance.   A faculty advisor is assigned for each student with the expectation that the student will meet with the advisor at least once each semester to review progress toward program completion.  PPS candidates participate in additional orientation regarding PPS requirements and receive a PPS Candidate Handbook.  Specific program benchmarks such as grades, field performance, and the PPS portfolio are reviewed and timeframes for receiving the results of those assessments are provided. 

Candidate assessment of program competencies occurs throughout the program in the completion of course and field internship assignments.  Students receive feedback on their performance, primarily in the form of grades and field evaluations, and progress through the program regarding meeting program benchmarks.  Students that do not meet academic standards are placed on academic probation per university policy and cannot proceed in practice courses or internship until their grades improve.  Candidates that demonstrate performance problems in field placement may be placed on a Corrective Action plan and will only continue in placement if performance problems are satisfactorily resolved.  Specific program checkpoints include Advancement to Candidacy at the completion of 9 units, completion of the MSW program, and recommendation for the credential based on a summative determination of candidate competence.

University and program exit surveys are completed by all graduates of the program.  These surveys provide important information regarding program effectiveness and outcomes.  This data is used to identify program strengths and to identify target areas for program improvement. 

 Pathways Table

•  Organizational Chart

 Faculty Distribution Table

 Annotated Faculty List

Tenure Track Faculty

Iran Barrera, Ph.D., M.S.W., PPSC
Full-time, Tenured

• SWRK 271T, Bicultural Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health
• SWRK 261, Qualitative Social Work Research

Marcus Crawford, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Full-time, Tenure Track

• SWRK 260, Quantitative Social Work Research
• SWRK 280 & SWRK281, Foundation Field Instructed Practice
• SWRK 292, Thesis/Project Seminar
• SWRK 298, Project
• SWRK 299, Thesis

Nancy Delich, Ed.D., MATS, M.S.W., LCSW, PPSC
Full-time, Tenure Track

• SWRK 220, Foundations of Social Work Practice I
• SWRK 221, Foundations of Social Work Practice II
• SWRK 224, Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals
• SWRK 261, Qualitative Social Work Research
• SWRK 280, 281, 282 & 283, Foundation and Advanced Field Instructed Practice

Dheeshana Jayasundara, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Full-time, Tenure Track

• SWRK 212, Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• SWRK 247, Social Work Practice with Communities
• SWRK 292, Thesis/Project Seminar
• SWRK 298, Project
• SWRK 299, Thesis

Gyanesh Lama, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Full-time, Tenured

• SWRK 200, Social Welfare Policy I
• SWRK 203, Social Welfare Policy II
• SWRK 260, Quantitative Social Work Research

Randall Nedegaard, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Full-time, Tenure Track

• SWRK 224, Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals
• SWRK 227, Advanced Social Work Practice with Couples and Families
• SWRK 282 & 283, Advanced Field Instructed Practice

Roger Simpson, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Full-time, Tenured

• SWRK 212, Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• SWRK 213, Cultural Diversity and Oppression
• SWRK 292, Project/Thesis Seminar
• SWRK 298, Project
• SWRK 299, Thesis

Martha Vungkhanching, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Full-time, Tenured Department Chair

 

Tenure Track Early Retirement Program (Part Time)

Betty Garcia, Ph.D. LCSW
Part-time, Emerita Professor

• SWRK 225, Advanced Social Work Practice with Task and Treatment Groups
• SWRK 280, 281, 282 & 283 Foundation and Advanced Field Instructed Practice
• SWRK 292, Project/Thesis Seminar
• SWRK 298, Project
• SWRK 299, Thesis

Debra Harris, Ph.D., M.S.W., LCSW
Part-time, Emerita Professor

• SWRK 260, Quantitative Social Work Research

Salvador Montana, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Part-time, Tenured

• SWRK 200, Social Welfare Policy I
• SWRK 292, Project/Thesis Seminar

 

Full-Time Lecturers

Maggie Armistead, M.S.W
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 280, 281, 282 & 283, Foundation and Advanced Field Instructed Practice

Andrea Carlin, M.S.W., LCSW, PPSC
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 280, 281, 282 & 283, Foundation and Advanced Field Instructed Practice and Seminars

Christopher Cole, M.S.W.
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 203, Social Welfare Policy II
• SWRK 280, 281, 282 & 283, Foundation and Advanced Field Instructed Practice and Seminar

Teri Collet, M.S.W, LCSW
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 220, Foundations of Social Work Practice I
• SWRK 221, Foundations of Social Work Practice II
• SWRK 225, Advanced Social Work Practice with Task and Treatment Groups
• SWRK 280, 281, 282 & 283, Foundation and Advanced Field Instructed Practice and Seminars

Frankie Freitas, M.S.W.
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 280, 281, 282 & 283, Foundation and Advanced Field Instructed Practice and Seminar

Benita Washington, M.S.W., PPSC,
Administrative Services Credential
Full-time, Lecturer Assistant Field Coordinator

Cheryl Whittle, M.S.W., LCSW, PPSC
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 261, Qualitative Social Work Research
• SWRK 282 & 283, Advanced Field Instructed Practice and Seminars

Cher Teng (Bee) Yang, M.S.W.
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 280, SWRK281, Foundation Field Instructed Practice and Seminar

Chayeng (Yeng) Xiong, M.S.W.
Full-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 281, Foundation Field Instructed Practice Seminar

 

Part Time Lecturers

Dolores Aguiniga, M.S.W., LCSW
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 225, Advanced Social Work Practice with Task and Treatment Groups
• SWRK 227, Advanced Social Work Practice with Couples and Families

Barbara Foster, M.S.W.
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 213, Cultural Diversity and Oppression

David Foster, M.S.W., LCSW
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 200, Social Welfare Policy I
• SWRK 246, Social Work Practice with Formal Organizations
• SWRK 247, Social Work Practice with Communities

Stephanie Grant, Ph.D., M.S.W., LCSW
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 212, Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Bruce McKee, M.S.W., LCSW
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 224, Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals
• SWRK 227, Advanced Social Work Practice with Couples and Families

Shanel Moore, M.S.W.
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 246, Social Work Practice with Formal Organizations

Joseph Rangel, M.S.W.
Part-time Lecturer

• SWRK 213, Cultural Diversity and Oppression

Suzanne Rodriguez, Ed.D., M.S.W., PPSC,
Administrative Services Credential
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 274, Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools I
• SWRK 275, Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools II

Mary Monica Strambi, M.S.W., PPSC
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 282 & 283, Advanced Field Instructed Practice

Cynthia Cortes, M.S.W., LCSW
Part-time, Lecturer

• SWRK 282 & 283, Advanced Field Instructed Practice

Published Adjunct Experience and Qualifications/Requirements 2019-20

The Academic Policy Manual (APM) for California State University, Fresno includes a Policy on Adjunct Faculty (APM 310, p. 1-3).  It includes the following definition:

"Adjunct" is any individual who is serving as a "Volunteer Employee" (Classification Code 0050) for a specified period of time, whether full-time or part-time. Visiting Professors may be appointed to this position. Adjunct faculty are not members of the Unit 3 (Faculty) Bargaining Unit. (APM 310, p. 1)

The Department of Social Work Education, including the PPS Credential Program in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance, does not utilize adjunct faculty so there are no published documents on Adjunct Experience and Qualification/Requirements.

Faculty Recruitment Documents 2019-20

During the 2019-20 academic year, the Department of Social Work Education had 3 vacancies for tenure track faculty.  One job posting was advertised as Social Work Generalist at the Assistant or Associate Professor level for up to 3 positions.  Teaching expertise was sought in the following areas:  

1. Clinical/Behavioral Health
2. Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE) and Macro Practice
3. Policy and Research/Evaluation

…or a combination of these areas.

The application deadline was November 8, 2019, therefore the link to the posting is no longer available.  In addition to the Fresno State website, the vacancy was advertised on thirteen standard national sites related to higher education:  Chronicle.com; InsideHigherEd.com; HigherEdJobs.com; careers.cswe.org; NativeAmericansinHigherEd.com; LGBTinHigherEd.com; AsiansinHigherEd.com; HispanicsinHigherEd.com; BlacksinHigherEd.com; VeteransinHigherEd.com; DisabledinHigherEd.com; WomenAndHigherEd.com; ASALH.org; and CalJobs.ca.gov

Published Course Sequence from Course Catalog 2019-2020

The link to the MSW Program Handbook can be found at:

http://fresnostate.edu/chhs/social-work/documents/msw-material/2019-20%20MSW%20Handbook_09.13.2019.pdf

The course sequence for full-time MSW students begins on page 17 and includes the following information customized for those students participating in the PPS credential program:

MSW/PPS Course Schedule

Full-Time Graduate (2-year Program):

 

*16 hours per week in field agency placement

**20 hours per week in field agency placement

***courses need to be taken concurrently with field internship 

• Course Matrix-SSW
• Course Matrix-CWA 
• CCTC and CSWE Crosswalk Document

 Not applicable

 Fieldwork Hours Table

Signed MOU or Agreements for Placements 2019-2020

Signed MOU/Agreement for Placements

PPS candidates have both second year MSW learning agreements and PPS learning agreement addenda that are completed in the fall and spring semesters of the second year of the MSW program.  These documents are completed and signed by the fourth week of the semester.

The MSW2 learning agreements operationalize the learning goals and outcomes of Advanced Field Instructed Practice I and II, SWRK 282 (fall) and SWRK 283 (spring).  They are digitally signed by all parties and housed on the department’s web based server, Intern Placement Tracking or IPT.  The learning agreements serve as road maps in the selection of advanced MSW field placement assignments for all MSW students.  Templates of the advanced learning agreements can be viewed here:  SWrk 282 and SWrk 283

The specialized field work requirements for the PPS credential are outlined in the Fall and Spring PPS Learning Agreement Addenda.  The PPS Learning Agreement Addenda include field placement assignments in accordance with Commission program standards that are not fully covered in the SWRK 282 and SWRK 283 learning agreements.  The Fall Addendum includes assignments that are prescribed by the program.  The assignments for the Spring Addendum are developed by the PPS candidate in consultation with the MSW/PPS field instructor and PPS faculty liaison.  A template of the Fall PPS Addendum can be here.

An example of a Spring PPS Addendum can be found here.

Expectations and Criteria for Veteran Practitioner Selection, Training and Evaluation

The expectations and criteria for veteran practitioners to serve as field instructors for MSW students are guided by the accreditation standards of the Council for Social Work Education as well as the program standards for the PPS credential established by the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  A complete description of field instructor roles and responsibilities can be found in the MSW 2 Field Manual here.

Field instructors for MSW/PPS candidates are required to have an MSW degree from a CSWE accredited institution, a valid California PPS credential in school social work and CWA, and a minimum of two years of post-MSW practice experience, including two years of school social work experience.  These criteria are documented in the Field Instructor Profile form which can be found here.

Training is required of all field instructors in order to be certified to supervise social work students.  The initial training is available in five, online modules at:   http://www.fresnostate.edu/chhs/social-work/field-instructor/index.html.  Upon completion of this online training, field instructors receive a certificate of completion certifying them to serve as a field instructor for the Department of Social Work Education at California State University, Fresno.  A training session for all new field instructors is also provided on campus every August prior to the beginning of the new academic year.  Ongoing training is provided to all field instructors annually and specifically to PPS field instructors as well.  A list of recent training topics is available in Exhibit 6.3.  Field instructors are evaluated every semester by the student intern as part of the semester performance evaluation.  Feedback on field instructor performance is also provided by the faculty liaison.

Support Roles

 There are a number of support roles in place during the field work experience for PPS candidates, including the field instructor, the faculty liaison, and the PPS Coordinator.  The MSW/PPS candidate meets with the school-based MSW/PPS field instructor for supervision for a minimum of one hour per week.  The field instructor serves as the primary instructor for the field internship experience.  The university supports this instructional arrangement by assigning a faculty member to serve as a liaison to the field placement.  The liaison for PPS candidates has an MSW and a PPS credential and is the link between the Department of Social Work Education and the field site.  The liaison makes a minimum of two visits to the school site each semester to meet with the field instructor and PPS candidate to review planned learning assignments and learning progress as well as provide support, consultation and problem solving.  The PPS Coordinator maintains weekly contact with candidates, faculty liaisons, and field instructors to keep them apprised of program requirements and is available to answer questions and provide consultation as needed.

Field Instructor (Veteran Practitioner) Training Material

Training is required of all field instructors in order to be certified to supervise social work students.  The initial training is available in five, online modules at:   http://www.fresnostate.edu/chhs/social-work/field-instructor/index.html .  A training session for all new field instructors is also provided on campus every August prior to the beginning of the new academic year.  Ongoing training is provided to all field instructors annually and specifically to PPS field instructors as well.  Recent training for all field instructors as well as training specific to PPS field instructors is presented in the tables below:

Table 1:  Field Instructor Annual Training

 Table 2:  PPS Field Instructor Training

 

Program candidates are placed in schools in the surrounding region. Every effort is made by program faculty to ensure that candidates are in the best possible placement to support their development. As demonstrated by the data represented below, our region is home to some of the most diverse student populations in the state, meaning candidates in all programs have opportunities to develop as practitioners while working with students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities.
 

• Documentation of Candidate Placements

Clinical Practice Handbook/Manual 2019-2020

The following published manuals, handbooks and advising materials provide information to district placement supervisors and candidates regarding expectations for the field placement experience.  These resources are available to all PPS candidates and their site based field instructors through the Department of Social Work Education website.  Click on the links below to view each item:

• MSW Handbook
• MSW 2 Field Manual
• PPS Candidate Handbook
• PPS Candidate Learning Agreement Addenda (Fall and Spring)

Fieldwork/Clinical Practice Syllabi 2019-2020

PPS Candidates participate in four semesters of field instructed practice.  The foundation year is SWrk 280 and SWrk 281 and requires a total of 400 hours over two semesters.  The PPS field placement occurs during the second year of the MSW program in SWrk 282 and SWrk 283.  This second year placement requires a total of 600 hours of experience over two semesters.  The four fieldwork syllabi are presented on the following pages. 

Clinical Practice Assessment Instruments 2019-2020

PPS Candidates participate in two semesters of field instructed practice for the PPS field work experience.  Performance is assessed using the following instruments at the end of each semester:

Fall:

• SWrk 282 Evaluation of Student Performance in Field (MSW Requirements)
• Fall PPS Dispositions Evaluation (PPS Dispositions)

Spring:

• SWrk 283 Evaluation of Student Performance in Field (MSW Requirements)
• Spring PPS Dispositions Evaluation (PPS Dispositions)
• Evaluation of PPS Candidate Performance in Field (MSW and PPS Requirements)

Description of Candidate Recommendation Process 2019-2020

In the Department of Social Work Education, the determination of candidate competence is the responsibility of the PPS Coordinator, Andrea Carlin, in consultation with administrative, classroom and PPS field faculty.  Candidate progress is monitored in the following areas: verification of clearance to begin the PPS program; review of grades in all academic courses; completion of the PPS learning agreement addendum each semester; review of field placement evaluations each semester; review of the PPS dispositions evaluation each semester; review of the PPS evaluation of field performance at the end of the program; and, review of the PPS Portfolio at the end of the program.  See Exhibit 7.1.1 for the monitoring tool.  Students are required to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 and to achieve an overall performance rating of 80 percent or higher on all field performance evaluations in order to be recommended for the credential.  The overall rating of the PPS Portfolio must also be 80% or higher.  

Students who have earned the Master of Social Work degree and have met all PPS program requirements submit the PPS Program Completion form.  The form and all requirements are verified by the PPS Coordinator and department chair.  Candidates meeting all requirements are recommended by the PPS Coordinator to the Credential Analyst for a PPS credential with authorizations in school social work and CWA.  

Candidate Progress Monitoring Document 2019-2020

 Not Applicable