Inclusive Schools Student Support Guide

Background and Overview

Broward County Public Schools is "committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential." Creating a safe and inclusive school environment is crucial for students' overall academic and personal success. Unfortunately, studies have shown that vulnerable student populations are more likely to face bullying, harassment, and exclusion from their peers and even from their teachers, which can negatively impact their mental health and academic outcomes.

Creating an inclusive school environment requires a commitment from school administrators, teachers, staff, and students to promote the District’s eight character traits, including citizenship, cooperation, honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, self-control, and tolerance. This can include policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability (physical, mental, or educational), marital status, socio-economic background, ancestry, ethnicity, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, linguistic preference, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or social/family background. Providing resources and support for students and offering training and education for staff and students on critical issues is also essential.

The Inclusive Schools Student Support Guide is a valuable tool for promoting a comprehensive approach to creating a positive climate for all students. It includes action items for faculty, staff, students, and families to work together in promoting the District’s eight-character traits in schools.

By implementing existing Federal, State, and local laws and policies concerning harassment and discrimination, schools can ensure that students are both protected and supported. This can help address issues such as bullying, stigmatization, and discrimination, which can negatively impact the mental health and academic outcomes of all students.

Guide Implementation

It is important for school leadership and personnel to use Broward County Public Schools' Inclusive Schools Student Support Guide with a student-centered approach that includes parental involvement and engagement when navigating the unique needs of our youth. The guide provides action items for administrators, faculty, and staff to promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for students. The use of this guide, along with its action items, will ensure that students' experiences are equitable across schools and handled with consistency. The District encourages school administrators, faculty, and staff to use the guide to promote a safe and supportive school climate where all students can thrive.

It is essential to ensure that any changes or modifications in services or monitoring for students are made with parental consent. This helps ensure that parents are informed and engaged in their child's education and well-being.

It is important to note that this guide is not intended or designed to be utilized in “classroom instruction” or as part of any prekindergarten through grade 12 curriculum. Faculty and staff should always use their professional judgment, with support from their administration, when seeking age-appropriate resources, tools, or materials for classroom use.

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