Generalist Practice vs. Case Management

Abstract

This article critically analyzes a contradiction in the accreditation process of BSW programs. While the standards mandate that undergraduate social work education must prepare students for beginning generalist practice, they concurrently mandate that the results of systematic outcome evaluations must inform program planning and curriculum design. When a program’s outcome measures indicate that students upon graduation perform primarily direct practice, case management functions, must the curriculum reflect this emphasis rather than an even-handed generalist approach? This contradiction raises the issue of the relative priority of standards and the reality of social work practice in the marketplace.