Who is considered the father of school social work?

• A. Ray Graham
• B. Jane Addams
• C. Lily Chen
• D. David Jones

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is who is recognized as the founder of school social work. Ray Graham is widely credited as the father of school social work because he helped formalize the role of social services within public schools, promoting collaboration between school staff, families, and community resources to support students’ learning and well-being. His work established the professional practice of providing in-school counseling, case management, and advocacy, which became the foundation for how school social workers operate.

Jane Addams is a landmark figure in social reform and the settlement house movement, which influenced the broader field of social work, but she did not originate the school-based practice. The other two names aren’t connected to the development of school social work history. So, the best answer is Ray Graham because his contributions specifically shaped the emergence and structure of school-based social work.