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Uniforms are One Less Distraction

Decent Essays

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

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