FAQs: About GLSEN Research

Sep 06, 2006

The Research Department supports GLSEN's mission by conducting research and creating resources that document anti-LGBT bias in education (K-12 schools) and examines the utility of GLSEN's recommended resources and interventions for creating safer schools for all students.

The Research Department's work falls under two main categories: primary research and evaluation research. Primary research encompasses original research, such as the groundbreaking National School Climate Survey (NSCS), a biennial study that documents LGBT issues in education, the impact of school climate on achievement and the benefits of school supports, such as student clubs, supportive teachers and comprehensive safe school policies. The Research Department's evaluation work examines the effect of GLSEN's programs and resources and provides critical feedback for improving them. In 2004, they completed an evaluation report on GLSEN's No Name Calling Week program and are currently finishing an evaluation on the Jump-Start National Leadership Team.

The Research Department also provides research-related technical assistance as well as important research tools, such as the Local School Climate Survey (LSCS), which was designed to be used by educators and students in their own communities.

How do I get copies of GLSEN's research reports?

Research reports can be downloaded for free from our website. You can also purchase hardcopies of the 2005 National School Climate Survey and From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America. Please email jrosado@glsen.org for ordering information.

Does GLSEN have research that is specific to my state or local community?

In 2006, the Research Department completed several state reports as part of From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America. Research reports for the following states are available online:

• ARIZONA
• FLORIDA
• GEORGIA
• ILLINOIS
• MICHIGAN
• NEW YORK
• NORTH CAROLINA
• OHIO
• PENNSYLVANIA
• TEXAS
• VIRGINIA

In addition, the Research Department has created the Local School Climate Survey (LSCS), a tool for individuals who are interested in doing safer schools research in their own communities. A copy of the survey instrument and its instructions can be downloaded from our website: CLICK HERE

Where can I find other research on LGBT youth?

Recommended Readings:

Harris Interactive (2001). Hostile Hallways: Bullying, Teasing, and Sexual Harassment in School. Washington, D.C.: American Association of University Women Educational Foundation. Available at: http://www.aauw.org/research/girls_education/hostile.cfm

Kumashiro, Kevin K. (Ed.) (2001). The Troubling Intersections of Race and Sexuality: Queer Students of Color and Anti-Oppressive Education. New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Sears, James T. (Ed.) (2005). Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Issues in Education: Programs, Policies, and Practices. New York: Harrington Park Press.

Journal of Adolescent Health

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Issues in Education

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services

Journal of Homosexuality

Journal of Youth & Adolescence

School Psychology Quarterly

Other resources:

The Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies (IGLSS), an independent think-tank that examines issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, has a searchable on-line database of research and policy reports, and other research-related resources: www.iglss.org.

Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS): A biennial survey of Massachusetts adolescents about various types of risk behaviors, including harassment and assault in school: www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/hprograms/yrbs. The Massachusetts survey includes research on sexual minority adolescents.

For questions regarding GLSEN's research, please contact Elizabeth Diaz, Research Associate, (ediaz@glsen.org) or Dr. Joseph Kosciw, Research Director, (jkosciw@glsen.org).