SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK FIELD INSTRUCTION INITIATIVE PARTNERED RESEARCH PROJECT Laurie Drabble, Ph.D., MSW, MPH Kathy Lemon Osterling, Ph.D., MSW San Jose State University CalSWEC Field Instruction Initiative Meeting September 21, 2011

Overview: FII Partnered Research Project This project augments the SJSU existing field instruction model of individual supervision Creates collaborative research teams comprised of IV-E students, Field Instructors, and university faculty in Santa Clara County intended to: Increase students’ capacity for practice-based research by providing students with training in applied research skills within a collaborative team environment Work on research questions defined as priorities by the county managers and representatives across units and provide timely results to priority questions with the intent of increasing evidence-based decisions for policy and practice

Rationale for Model Selection Strengthen capacity for practice-based research and use of research to inform program development through: An individualized supervision model that includes increased support of students and FIs in the research project process Create sustainable partnerships: Improved practice-based research training incorporating the involvement of FIs requires a clear and productive working partnership with county child welfare agencies. We plan to pilot our model in Santa Clara county, and develop processes and procedures for working collaboratively with agency personnel

Project Partnership & Development Organizational partnerships between the SJSU School of Social Work and Santa Clara County’s Department of Family and Children’s Services Team partnerships between students, faculty, Field Instructors, and county representatives Collaborative research teams strengthen relational capacity of students and build on cross- systems relationships by “closing the gap” between student/FI, student/faculty, and FFL/faculty/DFCS researcher relationships

Role of Field Instructors Consultation: Initial planning for implementation, interpretation of results, and dissemination. Co-learner: Participant in roundtables and other capacity building activities. Collaborative Instruction: Partner in supervising students, with access to faculty support as needed

Core Activities Formation of collaborative research teams Implementation of partnered research projects Provide orientation/supervision training for FIs related to supporting/participating in collaborative practice-based research projects Provide special seminar/training for students about using CWS/CMS data for research and evaluation

Core Activities Round-table presentations/discussions showcasing current research projects Introduce the model to County Intern Coordinators in other counties and identify benefits and barriers to extending the model Final showcase of research projects completed by students with engagement from a wide cross-section of stakeholders from SJSU, the County, and community Development of final report/Executive Summary of research to be presented by student team members to key county stakeholders

Core Activities Development of Resource Materials/Protocols: Written seminar module for teaching students about CWS/CMS data (adapted from CalSWEC materials) Tip sheet for FI's for supervision/participation in research projects Written description of FI consultation role Descriptions of partnered research projects Summary of "lessons learned" from project Executive summary of practice-based partnered research projects

Staffing & Program Set-Up Dr. Laurie Drabble and Dr. Amy D’Andrade: Coordinate Initiative activities with IV-E Project Coordinator and County Intern Coordinator. Dr. Kathy Lemon Osterling: Curriculum development, Coordinating special workshops for students and Field Instructors, Written resource materials development, Coordination of the evaluation, Coordination of the initial orientation of Field Instructors. All Provide leadership for at least one partnered research project, Present roundtable sessions, Develop partnered research project descriptions, Participate in evaluation activities and evaluation findings document Contribute to the final Executive Summary

Examples of Partnered Research Project Topics Child welfare and education Project examines educational issues among children affected by domestic violence The role of fathers in reunification Project examines how father involvement affects reunification outcomes Front-end child welfare processes/Differential Response Project examines use of differential response services and outcomes such as re-referral or child removal

Timeline Sept, Oct, Nov: Form collaborative research teams, identify topics and methods, conduct seminar for students on using the CSSR Performance Indicator website, have FI Orientation, obtain IRB approval for evaluation of the Partnered Research Project, begin development of resource materials Dec, Jan, Feb: Obtain IRB approval for collaborative research team studies, begin data collection, have FI meeting March, April, May: Complete collaborative research team studies, present findings to county partners June, July: Complete evaluation of project, complete resource materials

Evaluation Plan Process Evaluation: Document the implementation process of the new model – including challenges and successes, key elements of implementation, and lessons learned for adaptation/replication in other counties Data will include focus groups with students, Field Instructors and key project staff, review of leadership team minutes, and review of partnered research project descriptions Outcome Evaluation: Assess the impact of the new model on outcomes related to curriculum development, partnership development and students’ preparation for practice-based research and ability to use research to inform program development. Data will include satisfaction surveys, pre- and post-tests for trainings, and secondary student data