Student Handbook - Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences ...

LOCATIONThe Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences is part of Case Western Reserve University,located in Cleveland, Ohio’s culturally-rich University Circle area, a 500-acre, park-like home ofmore than 40 cultural, medical, educational, religious, and social service institutions. TheMandel School is neighbor to the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum ofArt, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Museum of NaturalHistory, and Cleveland Botanical Garden, as well as the international cultural gardens ofRockefeller Park, and other important and lively attractions. Cleveland has major leaguebaseball, football and basketball teams, and hosts numerous high-profile sports events, includingNCAA men’s and women’s basketball, and major league all-star games. Cleveland abounds withneighborhoods of rich ethnic heritage and charm, with numerous entertainment and art districts.Cleveland is also home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.University Circle attracts visitors worldwide and from throughout the region to its concerts,theater performances, athletic events, art shows, public lectures, exhibits and restaurants.Housing, shopping, and recreational facilities are all located in the area.With its proud history of organized labor, philanthropy, social reform, political and communityactivism, and education, Cleveland is a perfect place to learn about applied social sciences.ABOUT SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WORK VALUESABILITY BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND OUTCOME BASED EDUCATIONStudents at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (MSASS) participate in an innovativecurricular and instructional program: the Ability Based Learning Environment (ABLE). Six keyprinciples characterize the ABLE approach:• Educational outcomes drive the curriculum• Outcomes are defined as student abilities• Course and field education objectives are tied to the eight core abilities• Assessment of abilities occurs throughout the educational process• Self-assessment becomes part of the student’s learning• Assessment of abilities leads to continuous program improvementTo establish the student outcomes for the program, community stakeholders, students, alumni,adjunct faculty, employers, and clients were asked to determine those abilities most critical toeffective social work practice. A content analysis of the data resulted in the formulation of eightcore Abilities, which were revisited and revised spring, 2011.1. Identify as a Reflective Professional Social WorkerStudents will demonstrate awareness of the potential influence of their actions and wordsas a professional social worker upon individuals, families, groups, organizations andcommunities. Students will demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice decisions andactivities, using self-correction to assure continual professional development.http://msass.case.edu/downloads/academic/Student_Handbook.pdf Page 9