ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the interconnectedness between education policy and practice and provides an overview of historical and emerging policies vital to school social work practice. The chapter covers milestones such the Brown v. Board of Education case, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title XI of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. New and emerging policies, including gender and LGBTQ+ rights, social-emotional learning standards, mental health supports, and restorative discipline are explored. Finally, given the elevation of virtual schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter highlights emerging policies around technology, privacy, and confidentiality. © Oxford University Press 2022. All rights reserved.