C H AR T I NG A PAT H TO GE N D E R I N C LU S I V E S C HO O L S
into other aspects of instruction, these ap-
proaches have the greatest potential for im-
pacting students’ beliefs and behaviors. This
can take the form of lesson plans, speak-
ers, or other activities explicitly addressing
students’ understanding of gender. A great
many examples of lesson plans focused on
gender diversity exist. Literature is another
resource for raising the topic.
Why not provide an example that also gives
a nod to gender diversity? “The word is ‘cel-
ebrate.’ Jamila is excited to celebrate her
team winning the championship.” Or per-
haps a math problem: “Seventy-nine stu-
dents are in the cafeteria. Thirty-six of them
identify as boys, 34 of them identify as girls,
and 9 of them identify as non-binary. What
is the percentage of each gender?” A unit
on Native American culture can easily in-
clude mention of Two Spirit individuals or
a prompt for writing a persuasive essay can
explore the relationship between gender
and power.
For more integrated approaches, an almost
infinite number of ways exist to fold ideas
about gender into subjects that teachers
are already covering. For instance, a spell-
ing test might include the word “celebrate.”
Every instructional area can include some
sort of gender-related connection. Whether
it’s exploring bio diversity in science, exam-
ining the challenges presented by mascu-
line and feminine rules found in world lan-
guages, or studying cultural understandings
of gender in social studies, the instructional
entry point is a powerful tool for shaping
gender literate graduates.
“
Whether it’s exploring
bio diversity in science,
examining the chal-
lenges presented by
masculine and feminine
rules found in world
languages, or studying
cultural understandings
of gender in social stud-
ies, the instructional
entry point is a powerful
tool for shaping gender
literate graduates.
”
CSEE Connections
Finally these three entry points are most ef-
fective when they take place within a sys-
temic context that supports and reinforces
them. The Institutional Entry Point consists of
various programmatic, structural, and other
design features of the institution. They are
specific policies, practices, and processes
that create a foundation for gender inclu-
sive practices to take hold.
Laws and governance form an impor-
tant foundation of the Instructional Entry
Continues on page 18
Summer 2019
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