...Uniforms in Public Schools Marla Downey Axia College of University of Phoenix COM 120 Effective Persuasive Writing Dr. Carla Lane February 21, 2007 Uniforms in Public Schools Think back to the age of adolescence, was there ever a comment made by other children on the way one dressed or did some teasing occur regarding the lack of current style? Was there an issue of being prejudged or stereotyped by others, including school faculty, based on the clothing one chose to wear? That was then, now remember how it felt. Times have changed and economic status plays such an important role in everyone’s lives, image how children of today feel. Social economics is a hard issue for adults to deal with and yet children are forced to deal with it on a daily basis in schools with their classmates, friends, and even their teachers. What solutions can be offered to change this bias for all children, regardless of age, race, and social status? One suggestion is to put school dress codes in place which would require school uniforms. School uniforms should be mandated in public schools because our children’s self esteem and education should not be determined by the clothes they wear. There is a nationwide campaign for the use of uniforms and the efforts are “gaining momentum”, states Susan Thomas (1994, p. 44). School systems are challenged with many issues, one being “ways to reduce competition over designer labels” (Thomas, 1994, p. 44). It is safe to say that both opponents...
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...Benefits of Uniforms within the Public School System AED/200 March 6, 2011 Benefits of Uniforms within the Public School System For generation after generation children, parents, and people of authority have had differing opinions regarding what is appropriate for students’ fashion and appearance. The last 60 years have seen numerous transformations in the way students dress within the public school system. In the 1950s students dressed modestly and wore what would today be considered Sunday best clothes. Today’s students go to school with cleavage, midriffs, and undergarments exposed and wear clothes that have been intentionally cut-up or torn for the purpose of fashion. In the last two decades the discussion on student dress has been focused on creating a safe and professional atmosphere for students to learn in. School uniforms and dress codes are competent ways to improve discipline and motivation amongst students in school and do not limit the way students express their individuality. History of School Uniforms School uniforms have a long history not only in the United States, but elsewhere around the world. One of the first countries to originate the use of school uniforms was England. In the year 1222 the archbishop of Canterbury mandated that all English scholars dress in robes that resembled those of a monk. It is from this initial uniform that today’s high school and university graduates model graduation robes after. Soon after the archbishop...
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...The Effects of Public School Uniform Policies Taresha Y. Hemphill ECPI University Abstract Public school uniform Policies are not a solution to all school problems. Some problems will still exist. However, the improvements that the mandatory uniform policies have made across the nation are indisputable. Public school uniform policies will continue to reduce school violence and gang activity and overall help create a productive and safer learning environment. It will take more work to correct the school systems, but they will only get worse if something is not done about them. Even though school uniforms are a small step to improving the violence in public schools in the United States, it is better to make that small step than do nothing at all. There are vast opinions over what students should wear to school. Some see a student’s style of dress as an expression of who they are and dress code policies as a First Amendment Rights issue. Others see a student’s style of dress as a safety issue. School Dress Codes and Uniform policies have been challenged in PTA meetings, the classroom and in the court room. The main reason for having these policies is to create a safer, more productive learning environment for our children; not to strip away their freedom. We should allow students to express themselves and their individuality. However, this does not mean that their expression should be so...
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...The topic of school uniforms in school has been debated for years. More and more schools every year have been changing their rules to make it that all students have to wear a uniform during school hours. School uniforms stifle freedom of expression, they are expensive for parents, and ineffective to the learning process. ”The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every individual’s freedom of speech: his or her right to express artistic, religious, and political viewpoints” ("School Uniforms Are Inefficient and Unnecessary"). Schools are supposed to teach students about their freedoms, but having uniforms is a poor way to teach them (Fetzer). If the students do not have the right to their freedoms in school, how do people expect them to learn about their freedoms. Also, if the students’ outfits do not pose a threat to others, then they should be allowed in school (Fetzer). School uniforms stifle our freedom of expression and it goes against the First Amendment. Some parents cannot afford school uniforms because they are too expensive. Having school uniforms prevents parents from shopping at resale stores and sending their children to school in handed down clothing (“School Uniforms”). Some schools have a certain supplier for their uniforms and that also...
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...Classical Argument Position ENGL 123 Public School-uniform: Decision hanging by a thread Today’s youth face a different learning environment that was not as prevalent in years past. Peer in on any one of the more than 98,500 schools, and notice the difference. Public schools have morphed into more of a hangout and social hour-type atmosphere, as well as become the new “red carpet” to display the latest fashion trends. That is not all. Reported cases of drug and alcohol use, weapons brought into school, and violence and bullying have drastically increased over the years, and not just in the high schools either, but in all grade levels. As each of these problems take a seat at the head of the class, quality education breaks for recess. Although the factors attributing to the recent increases in these issues are many, one viable solution to mitigate some of the problems is for all public schools to require their students wear uniforms. Many advocates for this initiative, me included, strongly believe that mandating the wear of uniforms will reduce the alarming numbers for violent behavior and bullying, as well as alleviate any socio-economical barriers that currently exist; therefore, they will become the catalyst which brings the focus back to education within the classroom. For those parents who oppose the idea of uniforms, and who believe that mandating their child wear a uniform while attending public schools violates the First Amendment and stifles their child’s...
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...Why public school choose the specific uniforms. Introductory sentence---‘’-White Tops, Grey Bottoms ‘’ by Bev Akerman (published in Maclean’s on March 07,2005, p.57) Summary----In Quebec, public school give more importance their students about the school uniforms. School administration forces their students for particular brand and colour uniforms. Why they selected specific colour and particular brand, because uniforms store help the High school funding. Critique-----I agree with the author’s points, because he has personal experience about his children’s school uniforms. Some parents agree the school uniforms; it’s avoiding the daily arguments for their children un-descent dress-up. But parents hope, school uniforms should be chose descent. Why, school board chose the white tops and grey bottoms, they can change their mind. They chose the uniforms long bottoms and loose tops, that’s look like a descent dress. School board chose their uniforms particular brand, because uniform stores help the High school funding. Adult person can chose their appropriate school uniforms, they have a responsibly for our society. Conclusion—why school board choose their uniforms specific colour and sizes. Author’s explained, how can make the trouble about short grey bottoms. Parents want to see their daughters’ descent dress-up. School uniforms should not show over focuses more than education. Parents sent their children in the school for first prefer education and less other then. Public school...
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...Should Public School Students be required to wear uniform? Many public school systems are joining ranks with private schools and are implementing school uniforms, as many educators believe that students who wear uniforms perform better academically in school. All schools should require their students to wear uniforms because wearing uniforms can help resist peer pressure to buy trendy clothes. Also, students will not buy these clothes, because they cannot wear them to school. Children and teens usually express themselves through their clothes. When students are made to wear the uniforms, they can’t do this. This will cause students to express themselves through their actions and their words. When every student is wearing a uniform, no one will be able to tell who the rich students are and who the poorer students are. This will cause students to not bully others because of their clothes. In addition, students will make friends with each other, not through appearance, but through personality. If uniforms were required, it will help identify students, and keep organization. Uniforms play an important role with organization in public schools. The School Board makes the rules and enforces them. Students know what to wear and what not to wear. Students come to school well organized and prepared to learn. In addition, everyone looks professional. Because Public schools in The United States have students from all over the world, not only Americans, people of different race, characteristics...
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...Does it Pay to Look Good in School? It the past decades, schools have become more about fashion rather than education. Public schools have debated whether students should wear school uniforms. There are many people who think that school uniforms should not be required to wear in school. In contrast, there are quite a few people who agree with wearing school uniforms. Students wearing school uniforms would be the best solution because school is the place for learning and students would be able to concentrate more and not feel pressured. Therefore, school uniforms are excellent because they ensure equality, provide security, and are cost effective. In today’s society, life can be very tough on students. They tend to forget about the real reason of why they are going to school and focus more on their appearance and popularity. If public schools were to bring in school uniforms, this would cut back on the “socio-economic” differences (Chen, 2015). Eliminating differences helps the students to be equal. Students would be able to go to school, and not have to worry about what another student would say about what they are wearing. It will help alleviate the pressure for each student. Also, school uniforms will cut down on the social conflicts like cliques or gangs. The school uniforms take away the style or colors that gangs or cliques would wear to stand out from one another. With the constant change of trends for clothing, the student will not feel pressured into having the latest...
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...cons about implying school uniforms. I want everyone to know that there are two ways to view if school uniforms should be implied to every public school. There are two sides to the story, but when it comes to picking one over the other, it's your decision to make. I will explain every detail about why schools should or should not have uniforms. In this case. I am having difficulty choosing a side because I agree with both, but everyone has a different perspective. The issue of use of uniforms in public schools has produced a lot of discussion in the recent years. A high number of key stakeholders in the educational sector think that uniforms may reduce negative conduct that is connected to student dress such as school violence, absenteeism, teasing and gang related activities. The main argument that opponents are advancing is that uniforms get in the way of students right to choose dress, violating their right to speech. While public schools have always had policies on dress code, there is a need to evaluate whether uniforms in public schools have any significance.The practice of requiring public school students to wear school uniforms began during the 1990s. Proponents argued that school uniforms led to better academic Bible believers need to support interventions that work to eradicate violence in schools. Although school uniforms may have been originated from Catholic schools and English schools, isolated American school districts used school uniforms prior to the 1990s;...
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...By Justin Simmons Eng 122 Instructor Michelle Klingfus 2-21-2014 Uniform in Public Schools? Requiring students to wear uniforms in the public school system is this the right decision? I chose this assignment for two reasons, one because I have four beautiful children who attend public schooling and the other reason is because I have seen some of the damaging incidents that these children are enduring behind the brands being sought out that are quote to be cool. I experienced some of the same issues growing up as a child as many others reading this have. Coming up in the urban parts of Port Arthur, Texas a small town with a population of 53,818 I have seen people robbed for their shoes killed for shirts or jewelry all through middle school and high school. But the goal of my story is simply to inform and educate on the following those that are for it, those that are against and those that are stuck in the middle. I am personally for it but not basis about the matter I do want kids to have there freedoms of speech while living life through artistic framing, however I do not want children killing themselves over clothing/brand names with no one to blame. It starts at the home. What are we teaching our kids? Are the TV commercial and infomercials about different products raising our children? Or is it the top sports athlete or entertainer with the hottest song or movie? The answer is complicated, because living in a society where most of the day you are amongst your...
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...School Uniforms and You Let's face the music, children and teenagers are growing up much faster than anyone had expected. Their peers, family, home, music, and television are all influencing them on how they behave and dress. The numerous ways students dress can reflect countless of messages such as the latest fashion trend, hand-me-downs, whatever is comfortable, or violence. I remember when I was in middle school. I did not wear the cutest clothes or was with the current fashion trend and was often left out when my friends were talking about clothes. I felt like I did not belong, but I did not want to buy expensive clothing just to feel included by my friends. Even though students' individuality is important to express one's self, uniforms should be adopted in some public schools because it lowers disciplinary referrals and helps students focus on learning. [indent]Many students of public schools believe that school uniforms should not be introduced because it is restraining people's freedom of expression and does not create diversity. One example how uniforms restrict learners are that "without the outlet of expression in their clothes, students may turn to inappropriate hair styles, jewelry, or makeup" (Public School Uniforms). So by restricting students of their clothing choice, they will still find a way to show their personality in their hair, jewelry, and hairstyles. Soon schools will start regulating those as well and boom! The school controls everything that is...
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...stressful for many families trying to get back-to-school clothes for their children. Children focus on television, magazines, and videos that set the standard of what they should look like and dress like, however school uniforms allows every student to focus on school and not worry about what they look like or what their neighbor looks like. Everyone knows a child or is a proud parent or grandparent of a child and every child needs the opportunity to learn in an environment that promotes a stress free atmosphere. Underprivileged children may not have the finances to keep up with the latest fashions, schools that require uniforms help to promote equality among the students. According to Debate.org, an online site to debate and read the opinions of others believes that uniforms help to create a sense of equality among students. When the most popular girls in school are dressed just like the most unpopular girls in school, this can removes the stress of worrying about how you look and can be a way to create unity among students. In addition, school uniforms prepare the student for real life situations where they may have to wear a uniform or follow some sort of dress code. Arguments For and Against School Uniforms, a website that looks at the pros and cons of uniforms, provides a list of a few valid reason for students to wear a uniform: * Save money on clothing * Uniforms will cut down on teasing and cliques * Schools will be safe from outsiders * Parents will...
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...to try to break away from parent controlled decisions and try to make decisions about their lives on their own. Many times the decisions made by teens are driven by the desire to fit in rather than any cognitive, well thought out process to make a wise choice. Teenagers today are faced with choices about what to do, what to say, how to act, and what to wear. Peer pressure can begin when the “in” crowd decides whether they will accept you or not. In today’s public schools, acceptance might just depend on what fashions you wear. Expensive clothing trends decide who’s who – who’s on top and who’s on the bottom. A teen’s social status will affect his decision making in all of the other, tougher areas of adolescent pressure. Some of the pressure on today’s students to compete with their peers can be easily relieved if school uniforms were a requirement in public K-12 classrooms. The drive to fit in and be accepted by the crowd is arguably one of the most important things on a student’s mind when they enter the school each morning, distracting from the learning that should be their main focus. “As teens move into adulthood, they begin to ask some of the following questions: Am I normal? Do I fit in? What should I look like? What should I do? More often than not, they turn to their friends and classmates for answers. If they get mixed up with a bad crowd, teens usually end up making mistakes.” (Fanning, 2003). Students who can afford today’s fashions are quite often perceived...
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...School Uniform School uniforms would produce a safe and structured learning environment for students. Which is the first requirement of a good school. Students that feel safe in their environment are more apt to learn and not worry about their appearance. School uniforms in public schools are becoming increasingly popular across the nation. The public school system would benefit greatly if this policy were to be enforced. Resistance is always a problem when trying to make changes. Taking all things into account, the positive effects would be far greater than the negative effects. School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools because their use would lead to higher education, less violence, and lower cost to parents. By requiring school uniforms in public schools, education will be improved and a dress code can enforce discipline towards learning. Uniforms improve a person’s outlook toward success as students generally act the way they are dressed. With fewer distractions, students see the school as a workplace for teaching and learning. Students also have less stress in their lives because they are not in a fashion show or competition. Dress codes also lead to a change in grades and part of the change is because it would be easier for students to focus on their academics when everyone is dressed the same. School uniforms would also decrease violence in public schools. There would be less peer pressure toward trying to fit in with the in-crowd and distractions...
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...Argument for Public School Uniforms Sydney Slifka University of Colorado Denver School uniforms have created a debate to whether or not they are an effective addition to a school environment and to individual students themselves. Over the last decade, uniforms in public schools have increased, bringing a great deal of controversy along with them. With this public controversy there have been lawsuits, increased media attention, criticism from parents and complaints from students as well as increased academic research. There have been many recent studies done that offer evidence that school uniforms have been effective in many different ways. The purpose of this paper is to argue in favor of the implementation of school uniforms in our public education system by addressing these different articles and studies on the implementation of school uniforms. Ann Bodine wrote an ethnography about a city in the United States and the introduction of school uniforms. In her article she writes about the introduction of school uniforms and how it intersects with different aspects of life. Bodine describes students’ clothing as a “screen on which are projected all kinds of beliefs, anxieties and aspirations about children” (2003, p. 60). Through her observations of people and their clothing she noticed that the concept of dress as a form of free speech is only a tiny part of the meaning they are actually trying to convey with their clothing. (p.67) Clothing is used to express identity...
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