Journal of Social Work Education and Practice, Volume 5; Issue 3, 01/07/2020

The value of z-scores in social work supervision and practice

 Stephen M. Marson 1, Paul Dovyak 2 
1 Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, USA
​2. University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, USA

ABSTRACT: Z-scores are presented as a tool to enable a clinical supervisor or practitioner to monitor a client’s multiple factors over time. A review of the statistics of normal distributions if presented within the context of practice evaluation. Three advantages of z-scores exist. 1) Multi-dimensional aspects of a client are clarified; 2) practitioner develops a clearer understanding of complex problems; 3) progress within the passage of time is illuminated. Three practice examples are provided that demonstrate the versatility z-score monitoring designs. Guidance is given to direct the most efficient manner to apply z-scores to everyday practice

 
Keywords: z-scores, practice evaluation, supervision, monitoring designs, statistics

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