Queer Identity

Deepening the Discussion: Gender and Sexual Diversity Toolkit and PD Modules; SK Ministry of Education, 2015

Resource Type: Print, Website, Media (video, PowerPoint)

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring schools are safe and inclusive environments for all students, including those who identify as gender and/or sexually diverse. Deepening the Discussion: Gender and Sexual Diversity is an online professional learning resource intended for all school division staff. It is intended to develop a deeper understanding of gender and sexual diversity and to assist staff in providing safe, equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students. The resource includes a number of appendices, such as curriculum outcomes and discussion questions for school-based administrators.

Deepening the Discussion: Gender and Sexual Diversity PD Modules; SK Ministry of Education

Resource Type: Print, Website, Media (video, PowerPoint)

GSD Introduction: This section will help guide you through the modules. In alignment with other documents that Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Education has published (e.g., Nourishing Minds, Inspiring Movement), planning for gender and sexual diversity aligns with the four components of Comprehensive School Community Health (CSCH).

Module 1 – GSD 101: Module 1 contains information and resources to help your understanding of gender and sexual diversity.

Module 2 – Understanding the Context of Gender and Sexual Diversity: Module 2 provides information on gender and sexual diversity in Canada. You will also learn about homophobic and transphobic language, mental health of LGBTQ youth and how to create welcoming school environments.

Module 3 – Coming In: Two-Spirit: Module 3 shares the history, background, cultural significance, contemporary understandings and experiences of Two-Spirit identities and the intersectional barriers that Two-Spirit children and youth face in Saskatchewan.

Module 4 – Teaching and Learning: Module 4 focuses on the high-quality teaching and learning component of Comprehensive School Community Health (CSCH). Saskatchewan’s curricula are the foundation on which schools build students’ understanding and knowledge about diversity, equity and human rights.

Module 5 – Healthy Physical and Social Environment: Module 5 focuses on healthy physical and social environments component of Comprehensive School Community Health (CSCH). The module addresses how to make the school culture to be more inclusive.

Module 6 – Effective Policy: Module 6 focuses on the effective policy component of Comprehensive School Community Health (CSCH). The module includes strategies to develop policies and administrative policies that explicitly include gender and sexual diversity and address homophobia/transphobia. Effective polices ensure a safe space for all students and staff.

Module 7 – Family ad Community Engagement: Module 7 focuses on the family and community engagement component of Comprehensive School Community Health (CSCH). Students, families, community members, teachers, administrators, human service providers and government share responsibility for the safety and well-being of all children and youth, including those who are gender and/or sexually diverse. It is important that schools engage their families, School Community Councils (SCC) and others in these important conversations.