Gay Parents/Straight Schools: Building Communication and Trust

by Casper, Virginia

• ISBN13: 9780807738245
• ISBN10: 0807738247
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-06-01
• Publisher: Teachers College Pr

Summary

Gay Parents/Straight Schoolsopenly addresses the specific educational realities and needs of lesbian- and gay-headed families. It explores why gayness is perceived as such a threat, especially to the education of young children, when it has such potential to enrich the worldviews of both children and adults. Based on research that includes perspectives from all those involved, this pioneering book delves into such issues as: communication between lesbian and gay parents and school staff: homophobia at school and at home; gender and gender role and the different understandings about role models;curriculum planning that invites lesbian and gay parents into the school environment; connecting children's family experiences with school experiences. Featuring many direct quotes from children, teachers, administrators, and parents, this timely volume provides solid information, wise insights, and useful strategies to ensure the best education for all our children.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
Louise Derman-Sparks
Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xvii
A Tentative Trust	1	(34)
Who Are Lesbian- and Gay-Headed Families?	3	(4)
What Does the Research Contribute?	7	(1)
Becoming a Parent and Facing the World	8	(7)
Education for Change	15	(3)
The Culture Wars	18	(6)
``Developmental Appropriateness'' and the Real World	24	(4)
Background of the Study	28	(7)
What Do Children Know?	35	(18)
Children Discussing Family Matters	35	(3)
Research on Children's Conceptions of Family	38	(6)
Classroom Conversations	44	(7)
Thoughts on Research and Practice	51	(2)
Adult Points of View	53	(23)
Educators' Outlooks	53	(10)
Parents' Perceptions	63	(7)
Dilemmas of Difference	70	(4)
Concluding Thoughts	74	(2)
Disclosure: The Dance	76	(25)
The Anxiety/Openness Dynamic	77	(2)
A Continuum of Contexts	79	(4)
Disclosing: Who Does It and How Is it Done?	83	(8)
Intraschool Communication Practices	91	(3)
Communication: Whose Responsibility Is It?	94	(7)
Finding Gender	101	(36)
Old Habits and Theory Scripts	104	(4)
Shifting Paradigms	108	(1)
The Long Path We Take	109	(7)
Homophobia: At School and at Home	116	(8)
Role Models: In Theory and Reality	124	(13)
Classroom Life	137	(29)
A Look at the Classroom Context	137	(18)
Thinking About Curriculum	155	(11)
Beyond Gossip and Silence: Next Steps	166	(15)
Guidelines for Action	167	(10)
Trust Revisited	177	(4)
Appendix A: Selected Resources	181	(4)
Appendix B: Sample Policy Statement and School Form	185	(4)
References	189	(14)
Index	203	(10)
About the Authors	213