County Office of Education: Are Schools Doing Enough to Address Sexual Harassment?

It is unclear when or if the county school districts provide student training on recognizing sexual harassment and how to report it. The Silver Fork Elementary School District’s currently educates twelve students within grades Kindergarten to eighth. Due to its very small size, instruction is delivered to students in a multi-age model within a single building. Students have the same teachers throughout all grade levels. Given the unique classroom structure and varying developmental levels in the room, the district does not provide formal student training on recognizing sexual harassment and how to report it. Generalized discussions regarding personal space, privacy and protecting one’s own body do take place as appropriate. Because this district serves only a few families, there is a strong home to school connection with regular two-way communication. Staff is proactive in communicating concerns and student needs with families, including social-emotional learning and aspects of health education. Pollock Pines, CA 95726 (530) 644-5416 ● Fax (530) 644-5483 KIM LITTLE, Superintendent BOARD OF TRUSTEES Leslie Roach, President Alison Stanton, Clerk Brett Schlueter, Member The two certificated teachers and one classified employee are trained annually on how to recognize signs of sexual harassment and potential abuse. With this training, staff is cognizant in monitoring unusual changes in student behavior indicating a student may have experienced sexual harassment or sexual abuse. In conjunction, staff are trained on how to appropriately respond and access support for identified students.

EDCOE and County School District Websites are out of compliance with Title IX requirements Silver Fork Elementary School District does agree with this finding. While the district does link non- discrimination policy, complaint procedures, and coordinator contact information on its website, navigating and finding this information through a simple Title IX search is difficult. RECOMMENDATIONS