An Evaluation of the Chicago Public Schools Gender Inclusivity Professional Learning Community for K-12 Teachers

An increasing number of K-12 public school students report holding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual or aromantic (LGBTQIA+) identities. And, we know these students are at significantly higher risk of experiencing a variety of negative health outcomes, especially transgender and gender expansive students who are at greatest risk. That said, a strong evidence-base demonstrates that LGBTQIA+ students in schools with protective policies and inclusive curricula experience significantly improved outcomes. Some districts, like Chicago Public Schools (CPS), are implementing these evidence-based policies and programs to protect LGBTQIA+ students. Yet, there remain opportunities to grow and expand this work, including: (1) exploring models for professional development that best equip teachers with the skills needed to implement these programs and policies; and (2) identifying more ways that curricula, including science curricula, can be inclusive. With these opportunities in mind, CPS launched a Gender Inclusivity Professional Learning Community (GI PLC) in 2022 with 7 participants. This case study describes how the GI PLC functioned to support teacher learning and how teachers developed projects, including curricula, that they took back to their classrooms. In 2023, 10 interviews were conducted with PLC facilitators (N = 4), participants (N = 5), and a technical assistance provider (N = 1). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using MaxQDA qualitative data analysis software. Key findings revealed that participants reported value in terms of learning and community-building. The aims and content of the projects that participants developed within the GI PLC were aligned with: understanding students' identities at an individual level; developing inclusive curricula at a classroom level; and leading policy implementation at the school level. The GI PLC can be a model for other districts working to support LGBTQIA+ students through curricula and engaging in multi-level change approaches.