Gilbert Valadez recalls how, when he was a 1st grade teacher, he worked with a student to overcome a situation related to her gender identity. He suggests that any teacher working in public school adopt an inclusive attitude about all students and help students become comfortable with their own gender expressions.

This exploration of the "Phi Delta Kappan" archives shows the magazine's long history of addressing issues of sex and gender in schools. Past articles have covered the professional roles of men and women, the education needs of boys and girls, sex education programs, and the treatment of LGBTQ+ teachers and students. The magazine's…

This article offers numerical information and statistics regarding sex and schools. It provides answers to questions such as: (1) Are teenagers sexually active?; (2) How widespread is educator sexual misconduct?; (3) Do students report abuse?; (4) Do gay and lesbian students feel safe at school?; (5) How often do LGBT students hear derogatory…

In order to accommodate the education needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, American schools need to do more than add LGBT information to the curriculum in sex education class. If we believe, as Erikson (1968) suggested--that adolescence is the time when young people try to make sense of who they are--and if we believe that…

Speaking as a mother and a teacher educator, the author offers a framework to help K-12 school personnel support gender and sexually diverse students. It identifies components of safe school climate, and describes how educators to create welcoming, safe, and inclusive schools. It also includes resources widely available to counteract the bullying,…

Milwaukee's gay-friendly Alliance High School was conceived to be a welcoming and confirming school for kids who have been teased and bullied and had their interests marginalized in traditional schools. The result is a group of teens who feel they have found a safe place as they explore who they will be and how they will live the rest of their…