This blog is an assignment for an education course. It contains ideas and comments about a topic well known in schools regarding uniforms. I look forward to reading your comments.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Uniforms in Public School
Uniform policies have been implemented for some time and teachers hear students complain often their opinion about uniforms. I would like to hear your thoughts about uniforms in public schools.
Personally, I prefer students wear uniforms. In my opinion, uniforms help to create a structured environment and reduce the number of problems associated with attire. I have also read that the uniform policy actually contributes to a decrease in violence in the school. I do not know if this is a fact, but I can see how this observation could hold true. Students, of course, argue that uniforms inhibit their ability to show individuality and their unique personalities, and others argue that uniforms do not, in fact, prevent the wide gap between expensive name brand clothing and cheaper brands. I think the major issue lies in the enforcement of the uniform policy. When implemented correctly with consistent regulations and repercussions for improper attire, the policy can prove successful in the school system.
I have to say that I am an advocate for uniforms. As L.Miller said, it prevents that gap between expensive clothes and inexpensive clothes. Also, I like that when our students go on field trips, you can quickly spot your students. You can also see if someone shouldn't be in the school. At the elementary school where I did student teaching, they had a closet full of uniforms of various sizes. When a student had an accident or was in need of a uniform, they were there for the students to use. The only downside is that when students get "out of uniform" days, they seem to be a little more wired and wild. That's just my opinion :)
I am not sure I believe it closes a gap between expensive and inexpensive clothes. Retailers know exactly when school starts, if you go to the mall a few weeks before school starts all you see is solid polo colors and khakis. Stores make logos inconspicuous where it is still within the uniform policy. They want to target uniforms because they know that is what is needed at that time. What a uniform policy does do, if implemented properly, is show students structure. In showing structure, it also shows how being professional works as an advantage.
Uniforms are wonderful if they are enforced by administration. It does make identifying students easier, although if an intruder wanted to get in, they really wouldn't have to work too hard. Overall, uniforms seem to cut down on distractions in the classroom. However, since young women and their parents cannot delineate what an appropriate length is for a skirt, then skirts should be eliminated from the uniform policy. I can't even name the amount of times I have seen young ladies rear ends hanging out from underneath what they call a skirt, and that is a distraction in the classroom.
I personally have heard strong cases for both sides of this argument. I personally am not a fan of a complete uniform dress code but I do like the idea of all students dressing in an orderly and neat fashion. In the school system for the city I lived in we had a dress code but we did not have to wear a certain type of clothing. The rules were that skirts could only be one inch above the knee and that all shirts had to be tucked in. As well as pants being worn in the proper manner, not down around the ankles. Of course there were ways around the dress code, ways which were very distracting for a teenage male....but that's another story. I understand the uniformity thing and how it helps to eliminate students from being bullied for not having the most hip and in style clothing. Both sides have strong arguments and really I think it just comes down to the area that the school system is located in.
I think that uniforms have their place but at the same time I do believe they limit a student’s ability to be themselves. However, there is a lot of bullying when it comes to clothing. I agree that uniforms increase the structure of the classroom and decrease distractions. I also feel that students should have free dress days frequently, as a reward for a month of perfect attendance, or a perfect score on a big test, or for being the class to bring in the most cans for a can food drive, etc. In order for students to be able to express themselves, I think they should be able to choose their shoes and accessories (belt, jewelry, etc.).
As a parent, I liked the fact that my sons weren't focused on what they wore to school. My wallet also appreciated the fact that I didn't have to buy such expensive clothes. Now that I'm a 6th grade teacher, I favor uniforms even more. When we do have out of uniform days (for pictures, etc.), the boys are worried about looking and being cool while the girls are trying to look much older than an 11 year old girl should. Not that I'm trying to be old fashioned, I just believe that uniforms are better for the school environment, and beneficial to students (especially those whose parents can't afford the latest and the greatest clothes).
All of you make great points about uniforms, but I think students are smart enough to find any loop hole possible to be individuals even with uniforms. When I was in high school I did not mind wearing uniforms and I was used to wearing them because I did go to private school for some time. Young ladies wearing inappropriate skirt lengths do not realize how unprofessional it looks. Skirt lengths will always be an issue because no teenage girl wants to dress like her mom. When in reality if they walk in for a job interview with a skirt that shows a little much, they will not be getting a job. Basically, as teachers we need to continue to tell students that if you look unprofessional nobody will ever take you seriously. If you look silly, people will think you are silly.
Personally, I prefer students wear uniforms. In my opinion, uniforms help to create a structured environment and reduce the number of problems associated with attire. I have also read that the uniform policy actually contributes to a decrease in violence in the school. I do not know if this is a fact, but I can see how this observation could hold true. Students, of course, argue that uniforms inhibit their ability to show individuality and their unique personalities, and others argue that uniforms do not, in fact, prevent the wide gap between expensive name brand clothing and cheaper brands. I think the major issue lies in the enforcement of the uniform policy. When implemented correctly with consistent regulations and repercussions for improper attire, the policy can prove successful in the school system.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I am an advocate for uniforms. As L.Miller said, it prevents that gap between expensive clothes and inexpensive clothes. Also, I like that when our students go on field trips, you can quickly spot your students. You can also see if someone shouldn't be in the school. At the elementary school where I did student teaching, they had a closet full of uniforms of various sizes. When a student had an accident or was in need of a uniform, they were there for the students to use. The only downside is that when students get "out of uniform" days, they seem to be a little more wired and wild. That's just my opinion :)
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I believe it closes a gap between expensive and inexpensive clothes. Retailers know exactly when school starts, if you go to the mall a few weeks before school starts all you see is solid polo colors and khakis. Stores make logos inconspicuous where it is still within the uniform policy. They want to target uniforms because they know that is what is needed at that time. What a uniform policy does do, if implemented properly, is show students structure. In showing structure, it also shows how being professional works as an advantage.
ReplyDeleteUniforms are wonderful if they are enforced by administration. It does make identifying students easier, although if an intruder wanted to get in, they really wouldn't have to work too hard. Overall, uniforms seem to cut down on distractions in the classroom. However, since young women and their parents cannot delineate what an appropriate length is for a skirt, then skirts should be eliminated from the uniform policy. I can't even name the amount of times I have seen young ladies rear ends hanging out from underneath what they call a skirt, and that is a distraction in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI personally have heard strong cases for both sides of this argument. I personally am not a fan of a complete uniform dress code but I do like the idea of all students dressing in an orderly and neat fashion. In the school system for the city I lived in we had a dress code but we did not have to wear a certain type of clothing. The rules were that skirts could only be one inch above the knee and that all shirts had to be tucked in. As well as pants being worn in the proper manner, not down around the ankles. Of course there were ways around the dress code, ways which were very distracting for a teenage male....but that's another story. I understand the uniformity thing and how it helps to eliminate students from being bullied for not having the most hip and in style clothing. Both sides have strong arguments and really I think it just comes down to the area that the school system is located in.
ReplyDeleteI think that uniforms have their place but at the same time I do believe they limit a student’s ability to be themselves. However, there is a lot of bullying when it comes to clothing. I agree that uniforms increase the structure of the classroom and decrease distractions. I also feel that students should have free dress days frequently, as a reward for a month of perfect attendance, or a perfect score on a big test, or for being the class to bring in the most cans for a can food drive, etc. In order for students to be able to express themselves, I think they should be able to choose their shoes and accessories (belt, jewelry, etc.).
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, I liked the fact that my sons weren't focused on what they wore to school. My wallet also appreciated the fact that I didn't have to buy such expensive clothes. Now that I'm a 6th grade teacher, I favor uniforms even more. When we do have out of uniform days (for pictures, etc.), the boys are worried about looking and being cool while the girls are trying to look much older than an 11 year old girl should. Not that I'm trying to be old fashioned, I just believe that uniforms are better for the school environment, and beneficial to students (especially those whose parents can't afford the latest and the greatest clothes).
ReplyDeleteThe following website, by the way, offers sound arguments for both sides of this issue:
ReplyDeletehttp://news.fresno.edu/11/11/2007/pros-and-cons-school-dress-code
All of you make great points about uniforms, but I think students are smart enough to find any loop hole possible to be individuals even with uniforms. When I was in high school I did not mind wearing uniforms and I was used to wearing them because I did go to private school for some time. Young ladies wearing inappropriate skirt lengths do not realize how unprofessional it looks. Skirt lengths will always be an issue because no teenage girl wants to dress like her mom. When in reality if they walk in for a job interview with a skirt that shows a little much, they will not be getting a job. Basically, as teachers we need to continue to tell students that if you look unprofessional nobody will ever take you seriously. If you look silly, people will think you are silly.
ReplyDelete