Dignity for All

Peter DeWitt - Corwin Author and Consultant

Other Titles in:
LGBT Issues | Leadership | School Culture

July 2012 | 136 pages | Corwin

All students deserve a safe, respectful school environmentStudents who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgendered are susceptible to being harassed by their peers and are at high risk of dropping out of school. This book provides professional development ideas and strategies that will help educational leaders foster a more caring school culture not only for LGBT students, but for all students. Peter DeWitt provides specific strategies for school leaders that includeImplementing a student code of conduct and school board policies to safeguard studentsHelping staff members recognize and respond to overt and covert LGBT issuesProfessional development guidelines to equip staff to interveneWays to include appropriate LGBT topics in the curriculumSupporting Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) in middle and high school settingsThis practical and compassionate guide contains numerous cases and examples, proposed 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