Implementing Lessons that Matter

About the Research

Research has shown that trans, queer, and Two-Spirit (TQ2S) youth and those perceived to be TQ2S face hostile environments in schools. Research focused on improving school climate for TQ2S youth has determined that the implementation of TQ2S-inclusive lessons in class promotes greater feelings of student safety, health, and well-being.

In an effort to expand our knowledge of the impact of TQ2S-inclusive lessons on students and to learn more about the process of securing acceptance of TQ2S-inclusive curriculum in schools, we conducted a multi-method research project to understand:

  • young people’s experience with TQ2S-inclusive curriculum in high school
  • barriers to TQ2S-inclusive curriculum implementation and strategies that support implementation efforts
  • impacts of TQ2S-inclusive curriculum on school climate
  • lessons learned from previous efforts to implement other types of culturally relevant curriculum such as ethnic studies in California and Arizona.

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