APPENDIX F
Talking about Gender
- Confidential -
Gender Support Plan
The purpose of this document is to create shared understandings about the ways in which the student’s authentic gender will be accounted for and supported at school. School staff, caregivers and the student should work together to complete this document. Ideally, each will spend time completing the various sections to the best of their ability and then come together to review sections and confirm shared agreements about using the plan. Please note that there is a separate document to plan for a student formally communicating information about a change in their gender status at school.
School/District______________________ Today’s Date_______
Name Student Uses:______________________ Name on Birth Certificate:________________
Student’s Gender Identity _______________ Assigned Sex at Birth _______________Student Grade Level______________
Date of Birth ______________________Sibling(s)/Grade(s) /__________/______ __________/_______
Parent(s), Guardian(s), or Caregiver(s) /relation to student
_______________/___________ ___________/_________________
_______________/___________ ___________/_________________
Meeting participants:_______________
PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT
Are guardian(s) of this student aware and supportive of their child’s gender status? ______Yes _____No
If not, what considerations must be accounted for in implementing this plan? _________
CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE
How public or private will information about this student’s gender be (check all that apply)?
____ District staff will be aware (Superintendent, Student Support Services, District Psychologist, etc.)
Specify the adult staff members:
____ Site level leadership/administration will know (Principal, head of school, counselor, etc.)
Specify the adult staff members:
____ Teachers and/or other school staff will know
Specify the adult staff members:
____ Student will not be openly “out,” but some students are aware of the student’s gender
Specify the students:
____ Student is open with others (adults and peers) about gender
____ Other – describe: _________________________
If the student has asserted a degree of privacy, what steps will be taken if that privacy is compromised, or is believed to have been compromised?
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Rev. 090517
How will a teacher/staff member respond to any questions about the student’s gender from:
Other students?
Staff members?
Parents/community?
STUDENT SAFETY
Who will be the student’s “go to adult” on campus?
If this person is not available, what should student do?
What, if any, will be the process for periodically checking in with the student and/or family?
What are expectations in the event the student is feeling unsafe and how will student signal their need for help:
During class
On the yard
In the halls
Other
Other safety concerns/questions:
What should the student’s parents do if they are concerned about how others are treating their child at school?
NAMES, PRONOUNS AND STUDENT RECORDS
What name and gender marker are listed on the student’s identity documents?
Name/gender marker entered into the Student Information System
Name to be used when referring to the student Pronouns
Can the student’s name/gender marker be reflected in the SIS? _____________ If so, how? If not, why not?
If not, what adjustments can be made to protect this student’s privacy (see below)?
Who will be the point person at school for ensuring these adjustments are made and communicated as needed?
How will instances be handled in which the incorrect name or pronoun are used by staff members?
By students?
If unable to change the student’s profile in the student information system, how will the student’s privacy be accounted for and maintained in the following situations or contexts:
During registration
Completing enrollment
With substitute teachers
Standardized tests
School photos
lEPs/Other Services
Student cumulative file
After-school programs
Lunch lines
Taking attendance
Teacher grade book(s)
Official school-home communication
Unofficial school-home communication (PTA/other)
Outside district personnel or providers
Summons to office
Yearbook
Student ID/library cards
Posted lists
Distribution of texts or other school supplies
Assignment of IT accounts/email address
PA announcements
If the student’s guardians are not aware and/or supportive of the student’s gender status, how will school-home communications be handled?
What are some other ways the school needs to anticipate the student’s privacy being compromised? How will these be handled?
USE OF FACILITIES
Student will use the following bathroom(s) on campus
Student will change clothes in the following place(s)
If student/parent have questions/concerns about facilities, who should they contact?
What are the expectations regarding the use of facilities for any class trips?
What are the expectations regarding rooming for any overnight trips?
Are there any questions or concerns about the student’s access to facilities?
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
In what extra-curricular programs or activities will the student be participating (sports, theater, clubs, etc)?
What steps will be necessary for supporting the student there?
Does the student participate in an after-school program?
What steps will be necessary for supporting the student there?
Questions/Notes:
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Does the student have any sibling(s) at school? ____________ Factors to be considered regarding sibling’s needs?
Does the school have a dress code? ___________ How will this be handled? _______________
Are there lessons, units, content or other activities coming up this year to consider (growth and development, swim unit, social justice units, name projects, dance instruction, Pride events, school dances etc.)?
Are there any specific social dynamics with other students, families or staff members that need to be discussed or accounted for?
What training(s) will the school engage in to build capacity for working with gender-expansive students? How will the school work to create more gender inclusive conditions for all students?
Does the student use school- or district-provided transportation services? If so, how will the student’s gender be accounted for?
Are there any other questions, concerns or issues to discuss?
SUPPORT PLAN REVIEW AND REVISION
How will this plan be monitored over time?
What will be the process should the student, family, or school wish to revisit any aspects of the plan (or seek additions to the plan)?
What are specific follow-ups or action items emerging from this meeting and who is responsible for them?
| Action Item | Who? | When? |
Date/Time of next meeting or check-in______________Location____________
Used with permission of Gender Spectrum (www.genderspectrum.org)
- Confidential -
Gender Communication Plan
This document supports the necessary planning for a student to communicate with the school community a change in one or more aspects of their gender from its commonly assumed status to something else. Its purpose is to create the most favorable conditions for a successful experience, and to identify the specific actions that will be taken by the student, school, family, or other support providers.
School/District_______________________________________Today’s Date___________
Student’s Preferred Name______________________Legal Name__________________
Student’s Gender_______________________Assigned Sex at Birth____________Student Grade Level___________________
Date of Birth____________________Sibling(s)/Grade(s)____________/________ ____________/______________
Parent(s)/Guardians)/Caregiver(s)/relation to student/
__________________ /_____________ __________________ /_____________
__________________ /_____________ __________________ /_____________
What does the student wish to communicate about their gender (change in identity, expression, etc.)?
How urgent is the student’s need? Is the child currently experiencing distress regarding their gender?
PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT
Are guardian(s) of this student aware and supportive of their child’s gender communication? ______Yes ______No
If not, what considerations must be accounted for in implementing this plan? ____________
INITIAL PLANNING MEETING
When will the initial planning meeting take place?____________ Where will it occur?___________
Who will be the members of the team supporting the student’s communication?
 Student |
_________________ | ||
| Parent(s) |
_________________ | _________________ | _________________ |
| School Staff |
_________________ | _________________ | _________________ |
| _________________ | _________________ | _________________ | |
| Other |
_________________ | _________________ | _________________ |
COMMUNICATION DETAILS: WHAT IS THE STUDENT’S IDEAL SCENARIO?
What is the specific information that the student wishes to convey? (be specific)?
What requests are being made of others (new name, pronouns, use of facilities, etc.)?
www.genderspectrum.org • 510-788-4412 • info@genderspectrum.org
Rev. 090517
Imagine that this process goes exactly as the student wishes. What does it look/sound like? Describe how this information will be shared (i.e. a lesson about gender combined with announcement from teacher(s); an assembly where student will share information; a written communication; etc.). Be as specific as possible about what occurs.
With whom and when will this information be shared?
| With peers in the student’s class only |
Date: _________ |
| With peers in the student’s grade level |
Date: _________ |
| With some/all students at school (specify)____________________ |
Date: _________ |
| Other (specify) |
|
Who will lead the lessons/activities framing the student’s announcement?
What will the lesson/activities be?
Will the student be present for the lesson/sharing of info about their gender?
If yes, what role, if any, does the student want to play in the process?
Will the parent(s)/caregiver(s) be present for the lesson/sharing of info?
If yes, what role, if any, will they play in the process?
Once the information is shared, what parameters/expectations will be set regarding approaching the student?
Other notes, considerations or questions
KEY DECISIONS PRIOR TO STUDENT’S COMMUNICATION
Communications with Other Families
Will any sort of information be shared with other families about the student’s gender?
With whom: ____________ Families in child’s grade ________Whole School ____________Other (specify)____________
Who will be responsible for creating this?_______________ When will it be sent?______________
How will it be distributed?
*What specific information will be shared?
Questions/Notes:
* see sample letters
Training for School Staff
Will there be specific training about this student’s gender with school staff?___________When?___________
Who will be conducting the training?______________ What will be the content of the training?
Questions/Notes:
Parent Information Night/Class Meeting with Parents About Gender Diversity
Will there be specific training for school community members?___________ When?__________
Who’ll conduct it?____________________ Will it reference the student’s gender?___________________
What will be the content of the training?
Questions/Notes:
Identifying and Enlisting Parent Allies
Are there any parents/adults in the community you would like to enlist in support of the child’s communication?
If so, who?
When will you speak with them?_______________________ What will be your request?___________________
Questions/Notes:
Identifying and Enlisting Peer Allies
Are there other students you would like to enlist in support of the child’s communication?
If so, who?
When will they be spoken with?____________________ What requests will be made?________________________
Questions/Notes:
Siblings
Does the student have any siblings at the school?___________ What needs to be considered for them?
Training in their classroom(s)?________________ Emotional Support?_____________
Questions/Notes:
POSSIBLE ACTIONS AFTER COMMUNICATION TAKES PLACE
Does the student currently have a Gender Support Plan?_________ If so, what needs to be modified?______________
What steps will be taken following the communication to check on the student’s status/well-being?
Questions/Notes:
TIMELINE
Which of the following will take place in relation to this student’s gender communication, when will it occur and who will be responsible for making it happen?
| Activity |
Date | Lead |
|
______________ | ______________ |
|
______________ | ______________ |
|
______________ | ______________ |
|
______________ | ______________ |
|
______________ | ______________ |
|
______________ | ______________ |
|
______________ | ______________ |
What are the specific follow-ups or action items emerging from this meeting and who is responsible for them?
| Action Item | Who? | When? |
Date/Time of next meeting or check-in______________ Location Used with_____________
Used with permission of Gender Spectrum (www.genderspectrum.org)