Social work programs are expected to provide students with the research knowledge, skills, and applications they can use in their practice to develop interventions and evaluate their own practice effectiveness. Based on CSWE's Curriculum Policy Statement and Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, a rationale for and a model incorporating practice evaluation and research with the field practicum are described here. Several issues concerning implementation, such as alleviating student fears and enlisting agency support as well as the authors' experience incorporating practice research in the field practicum, are presented and discussed.
One of the major social problems in sub-Saharan Africa today is teenage pregnancy. In this article, the authors test a model based on modernization theories that attempt to explain the widespread prevalence of teenage sexual activity in African countries such as Zambia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Students were randomly selected from seven secondary schools in two Zambian cities, Lusaka and Kitwe. There were 527 adolescent respondents in the sample. Results of this study do not support modernization theories of teen sexual activity. In addition, the authors find that traditional institutions such as initiation ceremonies continue to influence sexual activity levels. These findings raise interesting questions for future investigations.
In January 1987, Kenosha County, Wisconsin implemented its work experience and job training program, a prototype job opportunities and basic skills training (JOBS) program. Kenosha's program requires participation, has broad coverage, and is relatively expensive. This article reports findings on the impacts the program has on aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) spells. The evaluation used administrative welfare data and an event history analysis. Findings suggest that Kenosha's program has no affect on AFDC-Basic spell lengths, has a positive impact on AFDC-Basic cases headed by never-married black teenagers, and has a negative impact on A FDC-Unemployed Parent cases.
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