Touchstone 3.1
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
123-Q5859
Subject
English
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by DeaconPower11778
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Jorgo Qendro
Sophia Learning
English Composition
December 18th, 2023
School Uniform Policies
Every school across the country has adopted their own policies when it comes to student clothing. Some schools have even gone as far as implementing designated school uniforms for all their students, as opposed to just issuing a specific dress code. Beginning in the 1900s, school uniforms were generally implemented for those going to parochial or private schools. Throughout the 1980s, the concern surrounding increased gang activities in schools resulted in school officials to start policing school uniforms to reduce and curb the rise of gang activity. The
first public school known to have adopted uniforms was Cherry Hill Elementary in Baltimore, Maryland in 1987. Since then, the implementation of school uniforms has risen across the country. The issue of whether school uniforms are necessary or not has been debated for a long time. The pros and cons of school uniforms have been discussed and argued in favor of and against it. Those who are in support of school uniforms may believe that it makes it easier to dress for school and not have clothing related peer pressure. Bullying stems from a lack of uniform system, leading to certain students being picked on for having worn out clothes, or wearing the same clothes multiple times. The status effect of certain individuals claiming superiority in wealth and popularity goes out of the window if school uniforms are applied and
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everyone is wearing the same thing. They also believe the reduced pressure that comes with school uniforms leads to better attendance, as well as increased academic performance in school. The opposition may argue that school uniforms may reduce or completely eliminate one’s
right to self-expression. Furthermore, school uniforms may have to be paid for and some families
may have a harder time purchasing the required uniform. They claim that school uniforms are a temporary solution to maintain violence in schools, but not a permanent solution. To address the issue, I believe that school uniforms should be implemented, as overall they create more positives for disadvantaged students than negatives. But that is not enough. The school should also implement a new curriculum to address bullying, diversity, inclusion, and conflict resolution. Furthermore, every school should have a therapist where students who are still acting out past these measures, or students who are struggling mentally can talk to further resolve the issues at hand. If a law was implemented making school therapists necessary, that would open more jobs and opportunities for those in that field, but also create more pathways for students who have ongoing mental problems or behavioral problems.
The School Dress Codes and Uniform Policies Report, authored by Wendell Anderson, and published by ERIC Clearinghouse in 2002, reflects on school uniforms and dress codes in the US public schools. The research conducted did not prove academic score increases or that violence decreased. They do suggest that most school districts deem the implementation of school uniforms beneficial. The school districts believe that the implementation of these uniforms increase self-esteem, and create a positive and safe learning environment. Families
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have stated that uniform implementation has reduced stress at home for children not having to worry about what to wear.
In Dressing Diversity: Politics of Difference and the Case of School Uniforms by Samantha Deane, from Loyola University Chicago, she states that children should be taught to celebrate the differences between them, as opposed to having all children dressed the same. Deane asserts “I too think schools ought to be places where children learn to confront the humanity and difference of others, and I am concerned with how children are taught to do so.” She feels that schools are missing the mark in how they are teaching students to become productive members of society in adult life by avoiding our differences. She goes on to state that
clothing policies, “tell students that when and where appearances differ, danger lurks.”
As a student, I never had school uniforms, but I wish that they were implemented during my elementary school years. As an immigrant, I started school not knowing English at all and having a school uniform policy would have made school much easier growing up. My family was one of those who were poor growing up, and I had to wear the same clothes 2-4 times a week to school, and I would often get made fun of and bullied in that aspect. Not being able to speak the native language fluently further enhanced the bullying, and having the proper systems in place could have avoided that not only for me, but for other students going through the same thing. Providing leeway on school uniforms or giving options as far as the style of school uniform would still allow self expression, comparatively to clothing styles and choices you would make playing a video game. Implementing the proper resources at school and educating
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students on behavior, will create the necessary environment for students to develop socially, mentally, and physically.
References
Anderson, W. (2002). School Dress Code and Uniform Policies. ERIC Clearinghouse on Education Management. Retrieved May 10, 2022, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED471528.pdf
Deane, S. (2015). Dressing Diversity: Politics of Difference and the Cases of School Uniforms. Retrieved May 10, 2022, from
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1076463.pdf
Reflection Questions
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1.
How does the Rogerian model of argument help you better understand the topic that’s being discussed? Why is it a good practice to acknowledge both sides of the argument?
Approaching the argument with a neutral point of view allowed me to see both perspectives and argue my point. I found this assignment to be good practice and having an unbiased stance when viewing multiple perspectives on a topic. I found a compromise in my paper in allowing school uniform options, but my argument leans more towards favoring school uniforms than opposing them. 2.
How might the Rogerian approach help you gain insight into your own argumentative essay?
I enjoyed this assignment, as it was refreshing to observe multiple perspectives of an argument. However, I do not intend to use the Rogerian model in my own argumentative essay as I have already decided my point of view. I believe taking a stance
on one side of an argument makes for a more effective paper than choosing perspectives from both. You would not root for two rival sports teams, so why would you agree with both sides?