This exploration of effective practices to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and gender-diverse students in elementary, middle, and high school contexts focuses on curriculum, pedagogy, and school environment. Narratives and artwork from the field are framed by sociocultural and critical theory as well as research-based elaboration on the issues discussed. Applications of antidiscrimination law and policy, as well as learning skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking help teachers tackle some of the most significant educational challenges of our time. The stories of real-world practices offer encouragement for building inclusive environments and enhancing social-emotional relationships among youth, families, and schools. Gender Diversity and LGBTQ Inclusion in K-12 Schools provides a helpful roadmap for educators hoping to create safe and empowering spaces for LGBTQ and gender-diverse students and families.

Sharon Verner Chappell is Associate Professor, Elementary and Bilingual Education Department, California State University Fullerton, USA.

Karyl E. Ketchum is Associate Professor, Women and Gender Studies Department and Queer Studies Minor Program, California State University Fullerton, USA.

Lisa Richardson is a recently retired Elementary School Teacher and School and Community Outreach Coodinator for South Orange County PFLAG, USA.

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

1. Introduction: Buidling Gender-Diverse and LGBTQ-Inclusive Schools

Part I: Elementary School

2. Elementary School Environment

3. Elementary School Curriculum

4. Elementary School Pedagogy

Part II: Middle School

5. Middle School Environment

6. Middle School Curriculum

7. Middle School Pedagogy

Part III: High School

8. High School Environment

9. High School Curriculum

10. High School Pedagogy

Part IV: Higher Education

11. Universities and Teacher Education

Afterword

Contributor Biographies

Appendices

A. Important Gender, Sexuality, and LGBTQ Definitions

B. Anti-Bias Learning Student Objectives

C. Instead of...Try These Classroom Practices

D. Suggested Talking Points: What to Say in Difficult Conversations on

Gender, Family, Race/Ethnicity, Language, Immigration

E. LGBTQ and Gender Diversity Inclusion Resources for Families and K-12 Schools

F. Gender Inclusive Schools Framework

G. Resolution in Support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning Student Life at California State University, Fullerton