About Our Curriculum
Curricula taught in schools and community (virtual & in-person)
Visible and Resilient in Community and Self curriculum is 6-lesson plans that raise awareness and deepen understanding of personal agency, inclusive practice, and using voice to co-create community.
By exploring Centering, Culture, Considering, Communication, Connection, and Community, in succession or stand-alone virtual lessons, the learner has the opportunity to personally reflect on topics, hear others’ voices, and build skills in critical thinking and conveying ideas. Ultimately, this curriculum, which is inclusive of systemically and historically marginalized identities, engages the learning community in the goal of becoming informed and actively participating citizens.
The Visible & Resilient in Community and Self curriculum is being evaluated for impact effectiveness. As in all school curricula, opting out is available and how that process works is up to the classroom educator. Participating students will be asked to seek parental approval per Miami University IRB protocol. A document (that can be emailed or printed and sent) will be provided that specifies what the research study is measuring and why parental approval is necessary. Our research and evaluation team is located at the Discovery Center, McGuffey Hall, Miami University, and can be available for questions regarding the evaluation process.
The V&R team is ready to engage students, faculty, administrators, and parents. Transparency is key and we are happy to connect by scheduling zoom meetings to present an overview of and discuss this curriculum, pedagogy, and praxis.
Our goal is to add to healthy and affirming messages that allow for diverse and marginalized identities, especially SOGIE minority youth, to thrive in educational environments. Our V&R team, supported by the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services Board (MCADAMHS), Public Health Dayton - Montgomery County (PHDMC) and a host of local organizations, are committed to executing the Health Initiatives Plan that forefronts Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Youth.
Lesson Plan Topics and Enduring Understanding
1. CENTERING | Identities | self
Centering Identities
Centering, in this lesson plan, is a verb that prioritizes the learner by exploring the concept of identities. In specific:
Upon personal reflection, I can better understand how my personal identities are considered either of the majority or marginalized (of the minority) per national norms in the United States.
2. CULTURE | Intersectionality | political
Interconnected Individual Identities
Culture, in this lesson plan, is the space -both literal and virtual- where multiple identities intersect and interact and inform respective communities and larger society. In specific:
I recognize that contributions from scholars assist me with viewing identities, interpreting, and interrupting cultural messages about privilege.
3. CONSIDERING | Principles | outcomes
Thinking: Values and Principles and Outcomes oh my
Thinking, in this lesson plan, provides us opportunity to think about how we make decisions, what informs our process, and why we choose what we do. In specific:
I understand that using an intentional decision-making process may increase my ability to think critically, therefore, considering folx and situations from a more personal, principled, and authentic lens.
4. COMMUNICATION | Dynamic | critical
Active Listening, Talking, and Just Talking
Communication, in this lesson plan, is to be considered a vital tool that takes practice to improve skills and is necessary to the success of every type of relationship. In specific:
I can use effective communication skills and strategies to give voice to my thoughts and engage people in setting boundaries.
5. CONNECTION | Power | equity
Rolling In The Deep
Connection, in this lesson plan, will be considered an essential piece to the many different types of relationships that we have and will experience in our lives. In specific:
Upon personal reflection, I can identify and attend to the different components, present or not, in my relationships, realizing that the other person may not view the relationship in the same way.
6. COMMUNITY | Citizen | steward
Stewardship and My Role
Community, in this lesson plan, is a group of people living in spaces where differences exist and engagement occurs to facilitate safe, inclusive, and thoughtful standard of living. In specific:
As an individual with intersectional identities living in a nation that offers many freedoms, I recognize I have a responsibility to be an active participant citizen in the democratic process.