Evaluating a Model of School-based Health and Social Services: An Interdisciplinary Community–University Collaboration

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to share results of an exploratory qualitative research study designed to shed light on experiences of an interdisciplinary group of elementary school staff and graduate students in a school-based services project. A researcher conducted 20 interviews with staff and graduate students who represented the fields of education, nursing, and social work. Data revealed two primary themes—the importance and complexity of collaboration and differences between schools' adoption of project—and three secondary themes—need for increased nurse practitioner capacity, need for more parent involvement, and confusion over role and purpose. Building on these data, the authors provide an argument for and implications of school social workers as uniquely qualified to develop, lead, and facilitate interdisciplinary, community–university collaboration to increase meaningful family involvement and support children's success in schools through school-linked services.