ERIC Number: EJ1381897
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jul
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1052-6846
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
LGBTQ+-Inclusive Professional Development in Elementary Schools: Does It Matter to Schoolwide Discipline?
Mollie T. McQuillan; Erin K. Gill; Xue Gong
Journal of School Leadership, v33 n4 p382-408 Jul 2023
PK-12 leaders use gender- and sexuality-inclusivity professional development (IPD) as a tool to improve the school climate for LGBTQ+ students, but IPD programs vary widely in their scope, breadth, duration, instructional approach, and content. In this paper, we present the IPD conceptual framework, which proposes a sustained, intensive, and expansive approach to PD can influence student outcomes through changes in educators' beliefs, attitudes, skills, and knowledge concerning gender and sexuality. Using a large, Midwestern school district as a case study, we examine characteristics of schools participating in an intensive IPD program and whether participation contributed to school disciplinary rates. Using 2018-2019 administrative and program data from the district and state department of instruction, we: (1) describe demographic and program differences between IPD and non-IPD schools, and (2) evaluate the contribution of IPD on disciplinary outcomes using OLS regression analysis controlling for selection characteristics. Our analysis reveals less racial and ethnically-diverse and better financially-resourced schools participate in the IPD program. The regression analysis suggests schools participating in IPD have lower suspension rates, assault rates, and endangering behavior rates compared to non-IPD schools. Several studies indicate supportive leaders and IPD improves school climates for LGBTQ+ students; however, quantitative descriptions of how IPD may influence student behavior remain scarce. Policymakers and educational leaders may be interested in this study's results suggesting a decrease in disciplinary actions among schools committed to IPD with core components of the IPD framework.
Descriptors: Elementary Schools, Educational Environment, LGBTQ People, Inclusion, Faculty Development, Teacher Attitudes, Attitude Change, Beliefs, Teacher Competencies, Knowledge Level, Gender Issues, Institutional Characteristics, Discipline, Program Effectiveness, Violence, Behavior Problems, Teacher Role, Urban Schools
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Related Records: ED671197
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305B200026
Author Affiliations: N/A