Increasing LGBT+ Inclusivity in Rural Schools

Item

Media
Full Text PDFFull Text PDF
Title
Increasing LGBT+ Inclusivity in Rural Schools
Creator
Aimee Love
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Teaching (initial licensure)
Project Type
action_research
Date
6/10/2022
Abstract
A recent study based in California surveyed 800,000 middle and high schools students and found that students who identify as LGBT+ are at higher risk for bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation, as well as lower academic performance (Hansen et al., 2019). This gap in the social experience and academic performance between LGBT+ students and their straight and non-transgender counterparts may be related to the study’s findings that they have access to fewer supports from their teachers and schools (Hansen et al., 2019). Closing the achievement gap for these traditionally marginalized students may therefore be as easy as reducing the disparities in their access to inclusive curriculum, welcoming classroom environments, leadership opportunities, and organizations that provide them with community and support.
For this review I explored the relevant literature on methods other teachers have used to increase LGBT+ inclusivity before attempting strategies in my own rural school. After conducting my research, I created lessons that were LGBT+ inclusive or challenged heteronormativity, and facilitated the formation of a Gay Straight Alliance in my school. My hope is that my observations and experiences will help to identify which strategies are best suited to small, rural schools.
Committee Member
Joshua Schulze, Darren Polamalu
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/10/2022, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author at the email address listed above.
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Language
eng
Date Available
6/7/2022
Type
Text
Identifier
theses/177
Subject
Gender Equity in Education
Secondary Education
Secondary Education and Teaching
education