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Dignity for All
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Dignity for All
Safeguarding LGBT Students


Other Titles in:
LGBT Issues | Leadership | School Culture

March 2012 | 136 pages | Corwin

All students deserve a safe, respectful school environment

Students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered are susceptible to harassment from their peers and are at high risk of dropping out of school. This book provides professional development ideas and real-life vignettes that will help educational leaders foster a more caring school culture not only for LGBT students, but for all students. Peter DeWitt presents specific strategies for school leaders that include:

  • Implementing a student code of conduct and school board policies to safeguard students
  • Helping staff members recognize and respond to overt and covert LGBT issues
  • Professional development guidelines to equip staff to intervene
  • Ways to include appropriate LGBT topics in the curriculum
  • Supporting Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) in middle and high school settings

This practical and compassionate guide contains numerous cases and examples, strategies and templates for codes of conduct (including the NY Code), book study questions, and links to pertinent articles, websites, and blogs for further information. Dignity for All helps inform educators of the issues and methods for building acceptance in a diverse world.


 
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
1. The Silent Minority
Our School Experiences

 
What It Means to Be Gay

 
The Need for Role Models

 
Harassment and Discrimination of LGBT Students

 
Negative Stereotypes of LGBT Students

 
Conclusion

 
Action Steps

 
Discussion Questions

 
 
2. Bullying of LGBT Students
Where Bullying Behavior Begins

 
Cyberbullying

 
Setting the Tone in School

 
Safeguarding and Supporting LGBT Students

 
Conclusion

 
Action Steps

 
Discussion Questions

 
 
3. The Role of Schools
The Impact Schools Can Have on LGBT Students

 
Keeping Students Safe

 
Teacher Biases

 
Professional Development

 
Parent Outreach

 
Conclusion

 
Action Steps

 
Discussion Questions

 
 
4. Curriculum Matters
Diverse Literature at an Age-Appropriate Level

 
Supportive Learning Environments for LGBT Students

 
Curriculum

 
Elementary School Gender Differences and Character Education

 
English Language Arts

 
Social Studies

 
Guest Speakers Who Address Bullying

 
After-School Enrichment

 
Conclusion

 
Action Steps

 
Discussion Questions

 
 
5. Gay-Straight Alliances
Why Schools Should Offer a GSA

 
The Parameters of Creating a GSA

 
Events Held by a GSA

 
Conclusion

 
Action Steps

 
Discussion Questions

 
 
6. Following Through: School Board Policies and Codes of Conduct
Laws That Support School Decisions

 
School Leaders Embracing the Sexual Diversity of Students

 
A Shared Vision: Creating School Codes of Conduct

 
Creating School Board Policies

 
How Parents, Staff, and Students Can Help

 
Conclusion

 
Action Steps

 
Discussion Questions

 
Questions to Ponder

 
 
7. Important Stories From Higher Education
 
Appendix: NASP Position Statement: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth
 
References
 
Index

"Dignity for All is a wise book that will help administrators, teachers, and parents work together to make sure that our schools are welcoming for all of our students. Peter DeWitt provides the insight and ideas to lead the way in including LGBT students."

Diane Ravitch, Research Professor
New York University

"In this book, a group of students that is often misunderstood and frequently maligned finds a voice. Educators whose reach extends to every student will discover here a deeper understanding of these students’ needs as well as sound advice on addressing those needs."

Carol Ann Tomlinson, William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor
University of Virginia Curry School of Education

“Leaders set the tone for their buildings. Peter DeWitt offers an important resource for teachers and administrators that will help create an inclusive school for all students.”

Todd Whitaker, Professor
Dept of Educational Leadership, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN

"Dignity for All provides educators with critical information on the experiences of LGBT students in our schools and how to create safe and affirming spaces for these youth. Grounded in his experience as a teacher and school administrator, Peter DeWitt makes vital knowledge accessible for those on the front lines in schools."

Eliza Byard, Executive Director
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

"This book is a valuable resource guide for schools considering a course of action. It is recommended for all high schools seeking progressive change."

Kevin Beach
VOYA, August 2012

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1: The Silent Minority

Preface


Purchasing options

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

contact corwin

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ISBN: 9781452205908
CAD$ 43.95

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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