The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration

VII.Grading and Problem Solving from a Strength Based PerspectivePhilosophy of Student Learning Agreements and EvaluationsLearning agreements and evaluations provide students with an opportunity to develop a plan forbuilding competencies and a method for receiving feedback on development as professionals inthe field.These tools provide the field instructor with opportunities to assist the student in defining objectivesand offer quarterly written feedback regarding emerging social work competencies over the courseof the academic year. Please review the evaluation form as you are developing learning goals.Since SSA requires three evaluations over the academic year, each quarter is seen as part of acontinuum. As the field placement experience evolves, the student continues to acquireknowledge, moving the student closer to establishing a competent professional identity. Gradesare based on the Field Instructor evaluation of the student and the Field Consultant evaluation ofthe student. Professional behavior, adherence to the Social Work Code of Ethics, attendance andparticipation in field seminar, reflection logs, and performance in the field placement determine thegrade.With this in mind, the learning objectives should be reviewed and may be refined. Evaluationsshould reflect the growth and development of the student over time. Regular evaluationsdocument this movement towards mastery so that if one is reading all three evaluations, progresscan be viewed through both the numerical and written summary. Timely feedback and thecompletion of the evaluation is a critical component in field education.Grades:A. Assignment of an “I” for IncompleteThe assignment of an “I” for incomplete is not an option in the fieldwork practicum. Studentswho must withdraw from fieldwork or who must leave a placement and cannot secure a newplacement during the same quarter will not receive a grade for field. Students are expectedto start their field placement and fieldwork hours over again; credit for any hoursaccumulated is determined by the Director of Field Education and the Dean of Students. Adue date for the field evaluation is determined by the Field Consultant. The Field Consultantsubmits the grade to the Dean of Students upon receiving the complete performanceevaluation from the field placement.If, because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, or if for good reason the studentconsiders it necessary to withdraw from the field work, and the Field Consultant and FieldDirector agree, the student completes the Temporary Leave from Field form. The FieldConsultant endorses the memo and it is placed in the student’s file.Since the integrity of the consecutive core direct practice course (301) must be maintained,condition of withdrawal might require that both quarters of the direct practice course berepeated. If during the first or second quarter of 301, it is concluded that a student will notbe able to complete field during the quarter or consecutive quarter the student mustwithdraw from 301 and repeat the course.In instances in which a student withdraws or is absent from 301 or the Field Seminarwithout consent, the grade F will be recommended by the Field Consultant or Faculty. Sincethe grade F is a failing grade, the student is thereby dismissed from the field placement.The student may elect either to appeal or file a grievance according to the policies andprocedures outlined in the Student Handbook.