The curriculum in place basically uses the method of avoiding the topic of gender and sexual diversity within the classroom. By having educators, and schools as a whole advocate for these students and people we could begin to see a change in perspective toward gender and sexual orientation. The Government of Saskatchewan states that the goal is to create “safe and inclusive environments where student success is a priority and everyone feels included, protected, and respected”(2015, p.1). Although this statement doesn’t directly state gender and sexual diversity, it can be inferred that the acknowledgment and understanding of it must happen. I feel that inclusion is very important, and every student deserves to feel comfortable within their classroom and that means bringing in knowledge and understanding of gender and sexual diversity. This can look many ways, it can be conversations, using preferred pronouns, bringing in diverse literature, and allowing creative freedom and expression. By having a curriculum that actively avoids the topic we are acting in oppressing the queer and trans people. A change starts with the inclusion of it within the classroom and it would be my role as an educator to create that safe space for my students. With the influence of educators then ideally whole schools taking part in advocating there will be the inclusion of queer or trans people despite the fact that it is not directly stated within our everyday curriculum.
Sources Referenced
Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. (2015). Deepening the discussion: Gender and sexual diversity.
I find the quote that you used quite interesting because it can hint towards inclusivity for queer students, however, it is strange to me that nothing is stated explicitly. It seems as if the government is wanting to provide a simple blanket statement to make students and teachers feel included while at the same time not addressing the issues of oppression. I also agree that it is extremely important to include diverse literature that represents the queer community, and it is something that is so easy to do yet many educators do not consider.
Hello!
I definitely agree that 2SLGBTQ+ students are oppressed because of how the curriculum avoids and ignores queer topics. It is so important that queer students feel heard and seen. It is up to us as teachers to make that happen for them. You make some really great points here. Thank you for your thoughtful post!
I love the take you have on it, and how the government is very dodgy around the subject. Especially the point where they make the statement that quoted that seems to just avoid saying anything to explicit, but still saying they stand up, but if they really did, they themselves would be taking more care and effort to help resources and the queer and trans community in schools.