Focus Paper Blog

I read Elena Adamo’s focus paper on school uniforms that was written last year. Although most of the paper was very vague and there were few specific examples or analysis, the paper did touch on the main arguments for and against school uniforms.
    On the pro-uniform side, advocates of uniform dress codes point to the elimination of social distinctions, at least those manifested in attire, as the most sweeping advantage. If one of the purposes of public schooling is to unite society and promote a sense of civic cohesion, then this is a worthy goal. The main practical benefit of school uniforms according to its proponents is a reduction in classroom disruption and easier enforcement of dress policies. Behavior problems or home issues that need to be resolved are more noticeable when teachers don’t have to waste time and energy enforcing subjective dress rules. Furthermore, many parents like the idea of school uniforms because it reduces their workload and expenses.
    The main negatives that Adamo brings up are a possible infringement on students’ freedom of expression and calling into question the research supporting school uniforms. She insinuates that the suppression of individuality caused by uniforms is part of a hidden agenda to control the minds of youth. The research of Jennifer Craik is quoted, wherein uniforms are derided as “a means of training the body and enforcing certain standards of thought and behavior.” The tone the paper takes when dealing with these issues assumes a negative response from the reader, but I don’t think those goals should automatically be considered invalid. What else is classroom management if not the enforcement of certain standards of thought and behavior?
    My future school district has school uniforms and as a teacher in that district I appreciate it. I won’t have to deal with dress code issues except for obvious violations of the uniform policy. I won’t have to decide whether a girl’s shirt is cut too low or a kid’s belt is too far down his rear. I’m also writing my own focus paper on this topic, so I’m looking forward seeing the research on uniforms and their effect on school achievement.