School Curriculum, Policies, and Practices Regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Families

Abstract

This study examined what elementary schools in New York State are doing to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families in terms of curriculum, policies, and practices. In all, 116 school psychologists completed an online survey regarding their districts. Findings indicated that even though most school districts serve LGBT-headed families, few schools have comprehensive curricula, practices, and polices that address their family structure. Even though most respondents believed that LGBT families were visible and included within their district, they did not perceive the school environment to be very welcoming for these families. Schools with a higher per pupil expenditure were more inclusive, but the type of community (i.e., rural, urban, or suburban) in which schools were located did not relate to the level of recognition LGBT-headed families receive. Although findings suggest some awareness of LGBT-headed families, schools still have a long way to go before the needs of all families are met.