Addressing Issues of Sexual Orientation &

Gender Identity

Report to the

Board of Education

June 24, 2008

Presentation Agenda

Purpose for this work What this work means from a parent

perspective Meeting District Goal #3: legal requirements,

work in California schools Action plan to address this issue

Purpose of this work

To build staff awareness in order to support our students and families

To understand the adverse affects of negative language and attitudes about gay and lesbian people to employees and students, even the very young

To build a safe, respectful climate for all students and staff

What this work means from a parent perspective…

District Goal #3: Ensure all students will be in educational environments that are safe and conducive to learning

Legal References: AUSD Board Policy 5145.3:

Nondiscrimination/Harassment Education Code Section 2000 Penal Code Section 422.6 (A) AB 537: Student Safety & Violence

Prevention Act of 2000

Plan for this work

Curriculum Development Team Develop teacher facilitation skills, which can

integrate with the Caring School Communities class meeting format around anti-bullying, anti-slurs

Develop one lesson per grade level focused on inclusiveness, family diversity, & anti-bullying

Develop resources for each grade level – books, DVDs, etc.

Elementary Curriculum TeamTeachers: Felice Botts Anne Faria-Poynter Heidi Huhn Audrey Hyman Sharon Jackson Serena Kielty Lynn Kinsey Maggie Lowe Jeni Marr Madelyn Merola Jan Rosa Michelle Toth Todd Wolf

Sean Cahill, Parent Barry Chersky, Coach Gail Rossiter, Wellness

Coordinator Jan Goodman, Principal Debbie Wong, District

Action Plan for this work2007-08 October 29th Staff

Development for elementary staff

LGBT Curriculum Committee met: 12/7, 1/15, 2/6, 4/16

Development of FAQs

March 13th: PTA Council presentation

2008-09 October 30th Staff

Development for secondary staff

Fall: Two regional community forums

Fall: Recommendation to Board to adopt elementary supplemental materials, curriculum

Semester 2: implementation of elementary curriculum

Ongoing focused support to boost secondary Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) student organizations

Refine required high school course Current Life Issues

Implementation & Communication to the Community

Frequently Asked Questions for staff and parents

Curriculum development Opting out

Fall regional parent community forums Development of District protocol to address

issue Site administrator support