At first glance, fashion might seem to have very little to do with learning, but as the saying goes, “The clothes make the man,” or in this case “The clothes makes the student”— school uniform policies seemed to have made the difference in many schools throughout the world. Over the last decade, the implementation of such policy has been on the rise, bringing about waves of debate among students, parents and teachers. Today, more than ever before, the role of a teacher has become much more complex. Most assume responsibilities that extend outside of the more traditional instructional role, and include expectations to provide student with emotional and social support. One of many concerns that educators face each day is dealing with problems or distractions that students often bring with them when they enter the classrooms. School uniform mandate was one of the solutions that were put to task to help cultivate a positive learning environment. Evidence indicates that mandatory school uniform policies are an important part of a comprehensive approach that can raise self-discipline and academic achievement to a higher standard. Opponents of school sanctioned attire claim the pointless practice infringes on students’ freedom of expression while restricting their creativity (Knechtle, Mitchell 487). Ann Bodine, in her ethnographic study, defines that clothing on students as a “screen on which are projected all kinds of beliefs, anxieties and aspirations” (2003). The way
School Uniforms are being pushed more and more in schools, but what is commonly thought of when the words “school uniform” is said? For most people the picture of children in the same colored uniforms gathered in front of a Catholic Church or a private school is displayed in their mind. This picture is one of the many problems with school uniforms. Instead of being seen as an individual, students are seen as just another kid in a uniform attending a fancy private school. The students cannot develop the self-expression that is crucial to their development at this age. Uniforms are thought to create a more protected campus and learning environment, however, if someone wants to bully someone else, clothes are not going to stop them. The cost, which is usually seen as a pro, can actually be more than people anticipate. As one can see, in the best interest of any student, school uniforms should not be made part of the dress code.
Dress codes and uniforms have been a controversial debate that has been going on for years. They are still widely taken into consideration, and argued about in today’s educational system and institutions. Newly enforced dress codes and uniforms have been on the uprise recently, largely due to school shootings and violence, as well as disciplinary issues dealt with on a daily basis. There are various interpretations of dress codes, but the cons clearly outweigh the pros of dress codes.
In addition to the apparent bullying over style trends and choices, another issue that could be eliminated through the incorporation of uniforms is the lessening of disciplinary action directed towards students for dress code violations. Almost daily, students are sent to the office for dress code checks which are most often handled by the Vice Principal. Students are commonly sent for checks based on the following items that are considered questionable: midriff revealing tops, ripped and low-rise jeans, short skirts and shorts, exposed shoulders and necklines and spandex for the girls. Then there are ill-fitting jeans and inappropriate slogans on t-shirts and sweatshirts for the boys. A uniform policy would eliminate the need for dress code checks, which would enable the vice principal to concentrate on more important issues within the high school. Not only would uniforms eliminate this disciplinary issue of student dress, but the incorporation of a uniform policy would better prepare students
It’s hard for students to truly identify themselves with a constant dress code in place (Hamilton 28). School dress codes continue to limit student’s right to express
For years, schools all over the nation have been debating whether or not a dress code should be enforced. With many different opinions and thoughts about this topic, there is evidence to support both sides. Students, parents, and teachers all have opinions and ideas about dress code, but when it all comes down to it there is one simple question: Should schools have dress codes? After reviewing different sources, obvious results have shown that dress codes and uniforms have done more good than harm and have improved many different aspects of the learning environment.
School uniforms and dress codes are becoming a popular trend among schools. Most Students and some parents don’t agree with the enforcement with school uniforms, saying that uniforms are taking away self-expression in schools. But, school uniforms are not a negative thing to have. Yes, uniforms and some very strict dress codes limit what the students have to choose to wear to school every day, but it doesn’t limit them from learning which is the main reason they are in school. Some students treat school as a fashion show, so eliminating the size of wardrobe shifts the attention toward their school work. Although requiring students to wear school uniforms may violate their self-expression in some ways, a uniform is supposed to be looked
At first glance, fashion might seem to have very little to do with learning, but as the saying goes, “The clothes make the man,” or in this case “The clothes makes the student”— mandatory uniform policy has made a distinct difference in many schools everywhere. Throughout the last decade, the implementation of such rulings has been on the rise, bringing about waves of debate among students, parents, and teachers. Today, as the number of incidents related to bullying, teen suicides, and gang violence continue to escalate, it has become necessary for educators to provide students with emotional and social support, as well as the traditional academic curriculum. In the interest of reducing these negative effects, school uniforms became a
Today, most states have laws that allow school boards to make dress code rules for students within their district to promote a safe, disciplined school environment, prevent interference with schoolwork and discipline, and to encourage uniformity of student dress(“School Dress Codes.”) . Dress codes are needed and is a good idea for students to follow that gives them structure and realistic views on how they should portray themselves in the world. By following dress codes, it terminates the salacious feelings that may arise due to revealing clothes worn by students, it promotes a safe environment, and prevents interference with students learning. In today’s schools, there are expected dress codes to follow.
The idea of uniforms being required for public school students has been a widely controversial topic in the recent past. In the 2003-2004 school year, only one in eight public schools required students to wear uniforms (ProConorg Headlines). In the 2013-2014 school year, one in five public schools required students to wear uniforms (ProConorg Headlines). This essay will discuss the reasons that uniforms restrict the individuality of students, burdens families that cannot afford two sets of clothes for each of their children (Farrell), and serve little to none purpose in benefitting the education of students. Uniforms are meant for the workforce, not school children.
With that being said, as more research about the benefits of uniforms develops, the more common dress code policies are becoming in the United States. With the appropriate research, school officials, parents, and students are becoming more aware of the importance of enforcing dress code policies. As research has shown, uniforms can create a sense of unity and develop self-confidence in students (Caruso). Uniforms can also improve academic performance and limit violence among students (King). While opponents will argue that there is not enough evidence to back up the value of a dress code, research proves that uniforms can be beneficial to school systems. Just as Japan and South Korea have implemented dress codes in their school systems, the time has come for the United States to recognize the value of school uniforms (Yeung). The question still remains, should all schools in the United States be required to enforce a dress code policy? In order to provide optimum learning in the classroom, uniforms are needed now more than
It is a belief that school uniforms teach students to respect their learning environment and behave themselves, and, therefore improving discipline. However, that assumption isn’t entirely correct. Researchers have actually found that school uniforms don’t make students better behaved. According to a study of more than 4,500 students, those who wore a school uniform did not have fewer behavior problems or better attendance. Forcing students to wear uniforms lead to more problems and misbehavior instead of encouraging discipline. Students could get into trouble if they did not wear their uniforms correctly. Many kids in today’s society cannot stand the thought of someone telling them what to do, especially what to wear. Instead of encouraging respect, uniforms may cause rebellions. For example, in 2009, a group of students at John A. Ferguson Senior High School rebelled against their school uniforms. Instead of following their school uniform requirements, the students wore what they thought would be a better school uniform to school. Not only uniforms don’t earn schools the respect from its students, but it may also lead to more problems.
A study has been done by two Notre Dame University professors, they looked at how uniforms affected “attendance, disciplinary behavior problems, substance abuse, and academic achievement.” From the study the teachers’ outlook of their students with uniforms on changed immensely, they saw them as acting more responsibly, intelligent, and more prosperous. This opinion is false, the students had the same intelligence level as before and based on the results of the study the uniforms did not show a decline in absence, drug use, attitudes toward school, or achievement in the classroom. The study found that tenth graders’ success levels were adversely affected by being compelled to wear uniforms. This shows that there are negative effects of wearing school uniforms.
When students wear uniforms, students do not improve in any way. Student’s academic scores do not go higher when they wear a uniform. Researcher Virginia Draa found that “implementing a uniform policy in schools did not have any impact on academic performance”. If schools are hoping for their student’s academic scores to go higher by implementing uniforms, they would be better off without uniforms. Wearing uniforms don’t help a student’s attitude. A 2010 study in a large urban school district in the Southwest found that asking students to wear uniforms did not result in any change in the number of suspensions for elementary school students. Student’s behavior won’t change, if schools wanted to implement uniform. Uniforms don’t have any positive impact on students,
Lack of parents support is the most significant reason for schools failing to implement any sort of school uniform code. Parents, teachers, and students should support the need for school uniforms in public schools so that they may be able to achieve higher educational goals. This paper will discuss many of the pros to the debate on uniforms in public schools as well as touch on some of the cons on the subject. After weighing the two sides, it will demonstrate how the pros are a more sensible alternative and why schools should require mandatory uniforms for their students.
Around the world many schools require their students to wear school uniforms. Many students do not adore this idea, but do they really know how it benefits them. Some wonder if these uniforms really improve their learning and experiences in school. Many questions do arise when schools consider this idea. The debate today is growing as schools try to figure out how they can enhance their school. There are many improvements in school systems when they make this decision to add school uniforms. Youngstown State University found that school uniform policies promote the rate of attendance, graduation suspension (Occupy Theory Staff). School uniforms can benefit not only the atmosphere where the student is learning, but also their focus on education to help them succeed in the future.