How to Do a 5-Step SOGI Scan

Part of “getting started” includes having an understanding of what is already going well, and where there may be areas of opportunity within your school or district. Here you’ll find a 5-step SOGI 1 2 3 scan to help determine where you can celebrate successes, and what areas may require some additional time and attention as you move forward in your efforts.

1) Examine your policies.

Does SOGI language appear in school board policies, anti-harassment, or anti-discrimination regulations? Are there guidelines or procedures for how to support SOGI inclusion or respond to SOGI concerns in the schools?

2) Examine your spaces.

Do walls, displays, and messaging within schools celebrate diversity? Are there accessible options for any space that is typically divided male/female such as gender-neutral washrooms or change spaces?

3) Examine your resources.

Are classroom books or those available in school libraries inclusive of diverse lived experiences, including when it comes to SOGI? Are teachers familiar with 2SLGBTQ+ role models who have had a positive impact and can be used as examples in classroom lessons?

4) Poll school staff.

If there is a way that you can anonymously poll school staff, ask about educators’ confidence and practice when it comes to engaging SOGI-inclusive education? Most educators want to make their schools inclusive for all students, but don’t always know how. If educators are not currently including SOGI in their lesson plans, what is holding them back? What is needed to support them in their journey?

5) Poll students.

If a GSA or similar group exists at your school, find out if they would be willing to share their experiences and perspectives on inclusion within the school. What has made them feel safe and included in the past? What opportunities do they see that could improve their sense of having their whole selves welcome in the school community?