Collaboration is Key
Any strategy for creating a welcoming school environment
has the greatest chance of success if it is developed collaboratively,
with input and investment from students, parents, teachers,
administrators, school board members, and community members.
Peer Support
Students can take advantage of leadership opportunities
within their schools to ensure that the voice of students
are heard and can model positive intervention when they
witness bullying or harassing words or behavior.
Parental Participation
Parents can support student efforts by being actively engaged
with their experience as well as supporting and holding
accountable both teachers and administrators in their efforts
to create welcoming schools.
In the Classroom
Teachers can address the challenging issues of race, sex,
and sexuality within their curricula and intervene when
inappropriate language or behavior occurs. They can also
work creatively to employ classroom management techniques
that teach appropriate behavior and emphasize that exclusionary
discipline should only be used as a last resort.
From the Top
School administrators can utilize their leadership positions
to set the tone of the school culture and can support the
efforts of both students and teachers to ensure that inclusiveness
and equity are paramount.
Community Involvement
A strong group of community members is needed to ensure
that our schools respect, care for, and are accountable
to our young people.
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