Skip to main content

Blog #10 - RI Laws and Policies

 The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides guidance for teachers and staff on how to support transgender and gender-nonconforming students. It starts by defining important terms and explaining the laws that protect these students. The document covers topics like using bathrooms, playing sports, and dress codes, and says that students should be allowed to choose based on their gender identity. If a student is going through a gender transition, the guidance recommends that schools work with parents and staff to support younger students, but for older students, contacting parents might not always be safe. Teachers and staff are told not to share any private information about a student’s gender identity, whether or not the student is open about it. To help teachers better understand these issues, the document suggests schools offer training, such as including it in anti-bullying or health education programs. Schools are also encouraged to update their handbooks with policies that protect against gender discrimination. Overall, the guidance aims to help schools support transgender and gender-nonconforming students and create a more inclusive environment. 


Comments

  1. I like how you summarize all the key points

    ReplyDelete
  2. I liked how you summarized the document. It's helpful to be aware of the laws surrounding trans students.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog #5 - Troublemakers

  In  Troublemakers , Carla Shalaby tells the stories of four students from different backgrounds and their experiences in school. She challenges the idea that low-income families don’t care about education, showing that many dedicated parents, especially mothers, work hard to support their children despite facing difficulties. For instance, Marcus, a student with a noticeable disability, receives strong support from his mother, who follows teachers’ advice to help him succeed.  Shalaby starts the book by discussing important questions about education, emphasizing that teachers should care about their students as real people. Many students who struggle are labeled as "troublemakers," but this often happens because their learning needs don’t match the strict school system. Teachers are often overwhelmed with large classes and may not be able to help every student, which can lead to some kids falling through the cracks.  She also talks about how schools handle student ...

Blog #7 Literacy with an Attitude- Finn

  In "Literacy with an Attitude," Patrick Finn explores how students from working-class backgrounds face educational inequalities due to societal structures. He argues that the way literacy is taught varies greatly by social class, which keeps class divisions intact. On the other hand, Amani Shalaby’s "Troublemakers" focuses on how students, especially African American kids, are often labeled as "troublemakers," leading to harsh punishments that hold them back instead of helping them grow. Shalaby points out that these negative labels can seriously affect students' self-esteem and development. She believes that many behaviors seen as problematic are actually responses to a lack of support and understanding. Instead of punishing these students, Shalaby calls for teaching methods that recognize their challenges and nurture their potential. Finn takes a different approach, highlighting how working-class students often learn basic literacy that prepares th...

Blog #6 - Kohn Reflection

In "What to Look for in a Classroom," Alfie Kohn talks about what makes a good learning environment. He believes that active learning, a sense of community, critical thinking, and motivation from within (not just grades) are key to helping students learn well. However, some people feel Kohn's views are too broad and don't fit every student or school. For example, Kohn is against displaying trophies and awards because he thinks they create competition. However, the author argues that these trophies can actually boost school pride and celebrate team achievements. Similarly, Kohn raises concerns about reward systems, like sticker charts, suggesting they might make some students feel left out. However, the author believes rewards can motivate younger students. The main point is that education should be flexible to meet the needs of different students. Just as Kohn’s ideas focus on learning through social interaction, it’s important to recognize that every student is uniqu...