Perspectives of Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD)-Inclusive Education: A National Survey of K-12 Educators

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Abstract

This paper presents the findings from a national study on the beliefs and practices of K-12 educators’ views regarding gender and sexual diversity (GSD)-inclusive education. Over 3,000 educators participated in Phase I of this study, a bilingual online survey. Respondents answered questions about their: values regarding human rights and GSD-inclusive education, practices in the classroom, experiences with homophobic and transphobic harassment, and perceptions of support for GSD-inclusive practices. Results indicate that there is a high level of philosophical support for GSD-inclusive education (83%), however the actual practice is much lower (43%). These results offer important insights for teacher preparation, curriculum development, as well as law and policy implementation and reform.

Authors

• Elizabeth J. Meyer, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

• Catherine Taylor, University of Winnipeg

• Tracey Peter, University of Manitoba