As I mentioned, I loved the ease of wearing a uniform at school. My sister also loved wearing a school uniform because it made everyone (especially all the girls) even – no status of high fashion and expense, no competition. At least not in that regard.
Studies across the country have proven time and again that students behave better and performance increases when wearing a uniform or adhering to a strict dress code. As in this report from education.com points out regarding a dress code policy in Long Beach California:
“Long Beach Superintendent Carl A. Cohn reported that during the first year suspensions decreased by 32 percent, school crime by 36 percent, fighting by 51 percent, and vandalism by 18 percent (Cohn). At Whittier Elementary, attendance rates have risen each year since the policy went into effect, reaching a high of 96 percent (Caruso). Schools in Chicago, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, and Virginia have made similar claims (Caruso).”
(Visit http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Student_Dress_Codes/ to read the whole report.)
Of course, some students (and their parents) have rebelled against dress codes citing everything from freedom of expression to civil liberties, in spite of the positive data from study after study that proves otherwise.
To learn more about student rights and dress codes, visit http://education.findlaw.com/student-rights/school-dress-codes.html.
So what are your opinion, thoughts and experiences? Do you think dress codes should be stricter? More lenient? Should they be mandatory, better enforced? Have you ever heard of a case that was taking the rules a bit too far?
Be sure and leave your comments below and let’s Continue the Conversation:
From a reader in Ross Township:
ReplyDeletePrivate schools can determine their own rules. Requiring uniforms makes it easier for the students in respect to not having to shop around for a variety of outfits. On the other hand, by selecting one’s own wardrobe, one can express a choice of colors, styles and combinations. I’ve heard people defending both ideas.
Public schools legally cannot determine a dress code other than “an outfit may not detract from the educational program.” This can refer to see-through blouses, low-cut blouses, very short dresses, low-rise pants, showing underwear, etc. If a public school does require “uniforms,” it is usually in terms of certain colors for pants and skirts, shirts tucked in, etc. If legally challenged, they would have trouble enforcing even these ideas.
No school would allow sweat shirts promoting smoking, alcohol or immorality.
My point is that for school children, it is not a matter of dressing for success – in my opinion. The work world is a different matter. Anyone who works in a setting in which they meet clients/customers, can definitely impress with a neat business-like appearance.
An excellent idea for public schools (to avoid unacceptable outfits) is to be very clear in stating the rules in a student handbook and sending a copy to all parents and guardians.
Excellent comment. Definitely gives us something to think about!
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