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In 2015, a study done in North Carolina regarding "school climate" found

The majority of LGBTQ students regularly heard anti-LGBTQ remarks.

Most LGBTQ students had been victimized in school.

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning

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Sexual minorities or the LGBTQ community is a growing group of students, and many are considered at-risk, therefore they need to be supported, protected and feel as if they are in a safe school environment.

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Negative school climate

Being judged by faculty or students

Bullying

Physical and verbal harassment or name calling

And many other negative aspects effect LGBTQ students and cause them to feel unsafe, unaccepted, and unprotected in schools.

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Growing up LGBT: School, Friends, and Mental Health

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Low grades

Self esteem issues

Many absences

High drop out rates

Overall well-being and mental health issues

Substance use issues

Risk of suicide

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When LGBTQ students are not directed named or included as a protected class in district public school policies, specifically nondiscrimination statements, students feel their safety is not a priority.

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When school district take the initiative to include sexual minorities in nondiscrimination statements, those students feel more comfortable and accepted in their school climate.

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Work one on one, with parents, and other team members to advocate for the LGBTQ student.

Use MTSS and the 3 tiers to fully support and advocate for LGBTQ students

Implement interventions and monitor progress.

Measure data and progress with stakeholders, make needed changes.

Strive for equality, social justice, and safety for students.

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Evidence Informed Practice Tier 1 Example: Safe Schools/Healthy Students 

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Evidence Informed Practice Tier 1 Example: Safe Schools/Healthy Students 

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Comprehensive model and collaborative efforts of faculty and students works to create a safer environment while educating on suicide, violence, mental health and substance abuse issues.

Not specific to LGBTQ but has proven to reduce school violence, increase use of mental health services, decrease substance abuse, and create more healthy school environment

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Evidence Informed Practice Tier 2 Example: Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs

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Evidence Informed Practice Tier 2 Example: Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs

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Builds an inclusive environment for students, where they can come together to end prejudice and stigma against LGBTQ students.

Gives students who may only be friends with other sexual minority students the opportunity to make new friends and build new connections, creating a better school climate.

Have been proven to reduce harm caused and better health outcomes among LGBTQ students.

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LGBTQ students feel safer at schools with gay-straight alliances

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Monitoring and looking for improvement of

School climate

Grades

Absences in LGBTQ students

Office infractions in instances involving LGBTQ students

Have LGBTQ students do questionnaires regarding their school experience before interventions take place and again after a period of time to track progress.

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ALL children regardless of sexual orientation deserve to feel welcomed and protected in their classrooms. They deserve respect and acceptance. It is the job and responsibility of teachers, social workers, and other school faculty to advocate and support students.

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Change it Up! Creating a positive school environment

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Change it Up! is a program for your whole school designed to build a more caring, respectful and fun environment in your hallways and classrooms. It focuses on building positive relationships between students, and empowers students throughout the school to create the kind of positive environment that helps them grow as individuals, friends, students and citizens.

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1. Why are LGBTQ students considered at-risk?
2. What are some other examples of stressors for LGBTQ students?
3. Why is school climate so important?
4. What are some ways we can better train our educators and school faculty to support LGBTQ students?
5. What are some other ways we can support LGBTQ students?

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Evidence Informed Practice Tier 3 Example: Depression Treatment Quality and Improvement 

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Evidence Informed Practice Tier 3 Example: Depression Treatment Quality and Improvement 

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Treatment program focuses improving the outcome of troubled or depressed youth.

Focuses on school improvement, learning how to express and control emotions, and dealing with mental health issues like depression.

Has been proven to improve academic outcomes and reduce symptoms of mental health issues like depression.

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Meyer, I. H., & Bayer, R. (2013). School-based gay-affirmative interventions: First Amendment and ethical concerns. American Journal of Public Health, 103(10), 1764–1771. http://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.30138

Raffaelli, L. (n.d.). Supporting LGBT Students in your school. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/supporting-lgbt-students-your-school

Creating an LGBT-inclusive school climate. (n.d.). Teaching Tolerance. Retrieved from https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/publications/creating-an-lgbtinclusive-school-climate

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2015). Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS).  SAMHSA. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/safe-schools-healthy-students