Group Conclusion
Our group came to the consensus that GLBT issues should be incorporated into the curriculum. This does not necessarily mean creating a new curriculum specific to GLBT issues, but incorporating GLBT awareness into the pre-existing curriculum. For example, during a social studies unit in grade 2 on family roles, GLBT family dynamics and structures should be discussed along with heterosexual families. GLBT topics can be incorporated into all aspects of the curriculum in a non-evasive form. If the ideas can be incorporated into the everyday classroom it can help normalizes families and individuals who identify as part of the GLBT communities.
These topics do not need to be explicitly taught through formal lessons, this could further entrench the ideas of the GLBT community being different and outside societal norms. Incorporating discussion on GLBT issues is imperative in schools because as teachers we are role models for inclusivity and therefore should include material that all students can identify with both inside and outside the classroom. By normalizing these ideas and concepts we would hope that this would help foster a safe and inclusive school environment where students can feel comfortable with who they are and what they believe. By modeling this behaviour, students will be open to discussing their issues with you, and their surrounding peers.
These topics do not need to be explicitly taught through formal lessons, this could further entrench the ideas of the GLBT community being different and outside societal norms. Incorporating discussion on GLBT issues is imperative in schools because as teachers we are role models for inclusivity and therefore should include material that all students can identify with both inside and outside the classroom. By normalizing these ideas and concepts we would hope that this would help foster a safe and inclusive school environment where students can feel comfortable with who they are and what they believe. By modeling this behaviour, students will be open to discussing their issues with you, and their surrounding peers.
Lauren's Conclusion
Since completing research on the topic of GLBT in Canada and realizing the number of people in our society that associate themselves with falling into one of the categories of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender is growing. The majority of the population that fall into this group is youth and this is why I believe talking about the topic of GLBT in our schools in one that is necessary. Youth aged 18-34 are five times more likely to answer “yes” to being gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual than people in the older category of 35 plus (National Post, 2012). Based on these findings I think it is crucial to have discussions and make students aware of what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and teach students how to be accepting of students that fall into one of these categories. This may cause more issues within an elementary school as the students are much younger and may not be able to fully understand what these categories refer to. I believe it is still important talk about and introduce what it does mean to be GLBT and to be inclusive of everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. We are learning that children are coming out at a younger and younger age these days. An example of this is Coy Mathis, a grade one transgender girl from Colorado who was born a boy but has identified herself as a girl since the age of eighteen months of age. The elementary school that she attends is not allowing her to use the girl’s washroom at her school because they are afraid it will confuse the other students in the school even though they all see Coy as a girl. Coy’s parents have taken her out of school and are home schooling her for now due to the school’s sudden decision as well as bullying that was taking place against Coy. Coy’s parents are filing a discrimination complaint because they are shocked about the school’s decision. This shows that we need to begin to educate children from a young age about the many ways that people can be different from each other. A lot of bullying that takes place begins due to a child expressing their sexual orientation. They then feel that they cannot be who they really are when they are at school or around certain people which is wrong in my opinion. I do not necessarily think that there should be a set GLBT curriculum implemented into the schools because the Catholic system would have a much harder time discussing these ideas in heir classrooms due to religious restrictions. Also as teachers we need to be aware of our own biases that may be expressed unconsciously to our students during these discussions. If we are aware of this and are stating facts to our students and stick with the idea of being inclusive and accepting I believe this would be an appropriate way to discuss GLBT issues in our schools.
Olivia's Conclusion
For the purpose of this course I will base my conclusion on the primary and junior grades (K-6).
Should gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual studies be incorporated into the curriculum? Yes. I believe that knowledge of all things is necessary for a person to make educated decisions. As well I believe that knowledge of a subject brings tolerance and acceptance. If we are able to incorporate gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual studies into school, students will have the opportunity to freely discuss feelings and questions they may have in a safe environment. By having these studies there are two effects. One being that straight students learn that there are all different types of families out there and that it may not be what you feel or how your family is, but that doesn’t mean it wrong or bad. Second, for students who are struggling with their sexuality or know that they are gay realize that they are just as special and important in the school as those who are straight.
I do not think that a brand new curriculum would have to be created to incorporate this issue into the present curriculum. There are many places that this can be brought into in the existing curriculums. In social studies there is a lot of talk about families and the roles of family members in grade ½. This would be a perfect place to start the conversation about some families having two moms or two dads. As well in all health classes when the issue of bullying is likely addressed. Here the students can talk and discuss all the hurtful phrases they use every day without realizing what they are really saying such as “that’s gay”.
Although I do feel this topic should be addressed in classrooms I do have some concerns. One of these concerns is teacher bias. Every teacher has them when it comes to everyday topics, and even more so when it has to do with controversial ones. If teachers are being asked to involve teaching about gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexuals, where is the regulation to make sure that a teacher is not being negative and making the issue worse, in this case would it not be better to have that teacher not say anything at all?
In order to help eliminate homophobia people need to be educated and given true information. People also need a place to ask questions and feel comfortable to talk about issues they are unsure about. If young children are being told and taught that there are different kinds of people in the world, and that there is more than one way to make a family, children will not carry older generations homophobia with them, helping to move the no tolerating bullying movement forward. In history classes students learn about how the world once oppressed certain minorities and races, and it is now time to include gays, lesbians, transgendered and bisexuals into that history.
Should gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual studies be incorporated into the curriculum? Yes. I believe that knowledge of all things is necessary for a person to make educated decisions. As well I believe that knowledge of a subject brings tolerance and acceptance. If we are able to incorporate gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual studies into school, students will have the opportunity to freely discuss feelings and questions they may have in a safe environment. By having these studies there are two effects. One being that straight students learn that there are all different types of families out there and that it may not be what you feel or how your family is, but that doesn’t mean it wrong or bad. Second, for students who are struggling with their sexuality or know that they are gay realize that they are just as special and important in the school as those who are straight.
I do not think that a brand new curriculum would have to be created to incorporate this issue into the present curriculum. There are many places that this can be brought into in the existing curriculums. In social studies there is a lot of talk about families and the roles of family members in grade ½. This would be a perfect place to start the conversation about some families having two moms or two dads. As well in all health classes when the issue of bullying is likely addressed. Here the students can talk and discuss all the hurtful phrases they use every day without realizing what they are really saying such as “that’s gay”.
Although I do feel this topic should be addressed in classrooms I do have some concerns. One of these concerns is teacher bias. Every teacher has them when it comes to everyday topics, and even more so when it has to do with controversial ones. If teachers are being asked to involve teaching about gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexuals, where is the regulation to make sure that a teacher is not being negative and making the issue worse, in this case would it not be better to have that teacher not say anything at all?
In order to help eliminate homophobia people need to be educated and given true information. People also need a place to ask questions and feel comfortable to talk about issues they are unsure about. If young children are being told and taught that there are different kinds of people in the world, and that there is more than one way to make a family, children will not carry older generations homophobia with them, helping to move the no tolerating bullying movement forward. In history classes students learn about how the world once oppressed certain minorities and races, and it is now time to include gays, lesbians, transgendered and bisexuals into that history.
Devon's conclusion
As we have been taught to respect races, ethnicities and religions, respect for LGBT people is an equally important issue to be addressed, especially in early school years. A safe, healthy and violent-free school environment should be provided to all students. More specifically, it is important to provide LGBT-related resources for students, and make them readily available in schools. Schools could establish written policies that protect students from discrimination and harassment. Educational programs are in a unique position to affect not only students and teachers, but also have the ability to educate the community around the school.
LGBT studies and issues are strongly interconnected with bullying. In 2011, CBC Ottawa reported on a 15 year old boy who committed suicide because of the intense
amount of bullying he received from his peers about being openly gay. School boards have a strict policy about bullying and there for should incorporate LGBT studies into the curriculum to teach awareness and acceptance to all students. It is difficult to stop or prevent all causes of bullying, but bringing awareness of LGBT to students can help prevent certain reasons for bullying.
After researching this topic, it is clear that the LGBT community has come a long way and has made their voice known and heard. Although they are moving forward, they
still have a long way to go. I strongly believe it is our job as teachers to educate students on all aspects and issues as much as possible. Society is not perfect, but it is striving to accept all differences, characteristics and peoples individuality. Teachers have the capacity to help children learn how to share public space with people similar to, and different from themselves. We have a responsibility to address issues around gender identity and sexual orientation appropriately and respectfully. Little has changed in public schools since I graduated; I worry about LGBT youth in schools across our province, particularly outside of urban areas, where their needs are not being recognized.
I believe the earlier the intervention, the better! Implementing LGBT studies into the curriculum at an early age (elementary school) allows for children to become familiar with different family dynamics and to understand that ‘normal’ can mean a lot of things. Bringing awareness of the LGBT community to children will help them understand and accept what society has out casted for so many years. We should be striving for a community that fosters inclusivity and that embraces people’s differences, not reject them. This vision will be more attainable by educating our children to build a stronger and more welcoming society.
LGBT studies and issues are strongly interconnected with bullying. In 2011, CBC Ottawa reported on a 15 year old boy who committed suicide because of the intense
amount of bullying he received from his peers about being openly gay. School boards have a strict policy about bullying and there for should incorporate LGBT studies into the curriculum to teach awareness and acceptance to all students. It is difficult to stop or prevent all causes of bullying, but bringing awareness of LGBT to students can help prevent certain reasons for bullying.
After researching this topic, it is clear that the LGBT community has come a long way and has made their voice known and heard. Although they are moving forward, they
still have a long way to go. I strongly believe it is our job as teachers to educate students on all aspects and issues as much as possible. Society is not perfect, but it is striving to accept all differences, characteristics and peoples individuality. Teachers have the capacity to help children learn how to share public space with people similar to, and different from themselves. We have a responsibility to address issues around gender identity and sexual orientation appropriately and respectfully. Little has changed in public schools since I graduated; I worry about LGBT youth in schools across our province, particularly outside of urban areas, where their needs are not being recognized.
I believe the earlier the intervention, the better! Implementing LGBT studies into the curriculum at an early age (elementary school) allows for children to become familiar with different family dynamics and to understand that ‘normal’ can mean a lot of things. Bringing awareness of the LGBT community to children will help them understand and accept what society has out casted for so many years. We should be striving for a community that fosters inclusivity and that embraces people’s differences, not reject them. This vision will be more attainable by educating our children to build a stronger and more welcoming society.
Jillian's conclusion
When we were presented with choices in which to complete this assignment, whether or not GLBT themes should be included in the Ontario Curriculum seemed to be an easy option for me. I immediately responded with an unquestionable yes. Since completing this project my response has not wavered, rather it has been strengthened with more reasons to support my stance.
As a future educator, I sincerely believe in the value of creating a safe, equitable, inclusive and compassionate classroom environment for enhanced student learning. As was mentioned in the statistics portion of our website, we have not been successful
in achieving this as of yet. I believe that GLBT education needs to begin with teachers.
Teachers themselves need to be more accepting of all students. It is imperative that faculties of education all over Canada develop teacher training that focuses on equity and
diversity. An increased focus on these topics should be built into the curriculum as a way for educators to better understand the GLBT community and other communities as well.
This is something that should be mandated in the B.Ed curriculum, more so than it is. This likely will be more attainable with the implementation of a 2 year teacher training
program. Future educators will benefit from a longer more in depth Schooling and Society-like class. The fact is, if teachers do not actively contribute to the creation of school and classroom environments that encourage respect and acceptance of all students, then they are also contributing to the problem.
In addition, I think GLBT themes simply need to be incorporated into the existing curriculum. Educators need to be cognizant of the fact that they may be excluding minority groups from their everyday lessons. GLBT themes could be intertwined with others in subjects like Math, Science, or Language. Just as the educator is expected to incorporate different backgrounds, races, ethnicities and cultures they should do the same with GLBT themes. This would ensure that each student’s experiences are being represented within the classroom. By teaching these values of acceptance and tolerance at a young age students will be more likely to embody these values throughout their academic career and as members of our society.
The fact remains that as long as there are students with GBLT family members, guardians and friends there will be students that have the potential to be marginalized if they feel that they are different. The reality of our society dictates that GBLT themes should not only be part of our curriculum but should be integrated seamlessly and without obvious segregation, just as we should treat the GBLT members of our society.
As a future educator, I sincerely believe in the value of creating a safe, equitable, inclusive and compassionate classroom environment for enhanced student learning. As was mentioned in the statistics portion of our website, we have not been successful
in achieving this as of yet. I believe that GLBT education needs to begin with teachers.
Teachers themselves need to be more accepting of all students. It is imperative that faculties of education all over Canada develop teacher training that focuses on equity and
diversity. An increased focus on these topics should be built into the curriculum as a way for educators to better understand the GLBT community and other communities as well.
This is something that should be mandated in the B.Ed curriculum, more so than it is. This likely will be more attainable with the implementation of a 2 year teacher training
program. Future educators will benefit from a longer more in depth Schooling and Society-like class. The fact is, if teachers do not actively contribute to the creation of school and classroom environments that encourage respect and acceptance of all students, then they are also contributing to the problem.
In addition, I think GLBT themes simply need to be incorporated into the existing curriculum. Educators need to be cognizant of the fact that they may be excluding minority groups from their everyday lessons. GLBT themes could be intertwined with others in subjects like Math, Science, or Language. Just as the educator is expected to incorporate different backgrounds, races, ethnicities and cultures they should do the same with GLBT themes. This would ensure that each student’s experiences are being represented within the classroom. By teaching these values of acceptance and tolerance at a young age students will be more likely to embody these values throughout their academic career and as members of our society.
The fact remains that as long as there are students with GBLT family members, guardians and friends there will be students that have the potential to be marginalized if they feel that they are different. The reality of our society dictates that GBLT themes should not only be part of our curriculum but should be integrated seamlessly and without obvious segregation, just as we should treat the GBLT members of our society.
Charlotte's Conclusion
In my opinion, GLBT issues should be incorporated into the elementary school curriculum. The beneficial aspects of normalizing this topic for children far outweigh arguments to the contrary. The overwhelming amount of research on the incidences of bullying and harassment about sexual preference that occurs in schools strongly indicates that there is a problem that needs to be dealt with. This is a problem that is happening every day in our schools. Just the other week there was an article in the newspaper about a student at an Ottawa high school who was bullied and put down by her own teacher. Fostering inclusive and accepting environments in schools is paramount. All children deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their educational setting
to thrive. Incorporating GLBT issues into the curriculum would help normalize these topics for children. Children should learn not to judge others for who they are and the decisions they make. By discussing different types of families, lifestyles, and histories in the elementary classroom, children can gain a broader perspective and develop greater acceptance. In addition students who are questioning their sexuality can feel they have a safe place to ask questions, discuss their feelings, and learn that what they are experiencing is a normal part of life and they should never have to feel shame or guilt.
A curriculum that includes GLBT issues does not mean teach a separate unit on these topics. The topics can be integrated into lessons, activities, and discussions in the classroom. When discussing family roles ensure to include all different types of families, for example those with a mother and a father, those with two fathers or two mother, those with adopted or foster parents, or those with one parent. Children should understand and become comfortable with these topics so they can accept and embrace the wonderful differences between us that make us who we are.
While I believe these topics should be incorporated into our classrooms, I do not think it will always be an easy task. The discussion of these topics will be met with a great deal of adversity, but this demonstrates further the importance of educating people on these topics. Teachers will need to be aware of their own biases and learn now to engage in
discussions on GLBT topics without negative connotations and making the problem
worse.
Offering a well-rounded education that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered topics is an important first step in ending homophobia. The children of today are the future leaders of tomorrow. Ensuring they are educated and open minded about diverse topics will allow them to shape the world into a better more accepting place where everyone can feel free to express who they are.
to thrive. Incorporating GLBT issues into the curriculum would help normalize these topics for children. Children should learn not to judge others for who they are and the decisions they make. By discussing different types of families, lifestyles, and histories in the elementary classroom, children can gain a broader perspective and develop greater acceptance. In addition students who are questioning their sexuality can feel they have a safe place to ask questions, discuss their feelings, and learn that what they are experiencing is a normal part of life and they should never have to feel shame or guilt.
A curriculum that includes GLBT issues does not mean teach a separate unit on these topics. The topics can be integrated into lessons, activities, and discussions in the classroom. When discussing family roles ensure to include all different types of families, for example those with a mother and a father, those with two fathers or two mother, those with adopted or foster parents, or those with one parent. Children should understand and become comfortable with these topics so they can accept and embrace the wonderful differences between us that make us who we are.
While I believe these topics should be incorporated into our classrooms, I do not think it will always be an easy task. The discussion of these topics will be met with a great deal of adversity, but this demonstrates further the importance of educating people on these topics. Teachers will need to be aware of their own biases and learn now to engage in
discussions on GLBT topics without negative connotations and making the problem
worse.
Offering a well-rounded education that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered topics is an important first step in ending homophobia. The children of today are the future leaders of tomorrow. Ensuring they are educated and open minded about diverse topics will allow them to shape the world into a better more accepting place where everyone can feel free to express who they are.