GENERALIST PRACTICE VS. CASE MANAGEMENT: AN ACCREDITATION CONTRADICTION.

The article presents a critical analysis of the contradiction in the accreditation process of Bachelor of Social Work (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. During the last quarter century, baccalaureate social work education has struggled to become a respected partner with graduate social work education. BSW programs have succeeded in earning this respect, to a great degree, through a responsible integration of practice experience into educational philosophy. Much of this improved curriculum development owes to the refinement and sophistication of the accreditation process, particularly as that process relates to generalist practice. This contradiction raises the issue of the relative priority of standards and the reality of social work practice in the marketplace.