Transgender Students and School Social Work: Bridging the Gap

This article attempts to add to school social workers' knowledge base by providing a background & essential understanding of issues pertaining to transgender students in the school environment. Special attention is paid to the role of the school social worker in meeting the needs of gender-different students. Terms & concepts related to transgender are clarified & defined. An overview of the societal treatment of transgender people is provided through a brief history of the medical profession's treatment of this population & the psychiatric diagnosis & treatment of gender identity disorder (GID). Finally, a framework is suggested for school social workers to enhance their skills & competency in navigating the complex school system in order to provide effective & appropriate services to these students. References. Adapted from the source document.