Dress Codes (School Uniforms)

1. Dress Codes(School Uniforms) Kayla Raymann 11/15/2012 Ivy Tech Community College

2. School Uniforms or Regular Clothing? • Should all public schools go to school uniforms or allow students to wear what they want (based on individual school dress codes)

3. Pros to School Uniforms • Cost • Average family spends $300.00 on back to school clothing • Average family spends $150.00 on school uniforms (5 shirts and 5 pants) • Less Fortunate Families • Students may appear to be lacking • Can’t afford trendy clothes • Students may be harassed or made fun of because of their clothing

4. Pros to School Uniforms • Gangs • Gang Colors are restricted • Outside unwanted visitors are easily identified • Students are less likely to be fought or killed because of the shoes or jacket they are wearing • Reduces the peer pressure of joining a gang • Not being mistaken as a gang member

5. Cons to School Uniforms • Limited Self Expression • Students use the way they dress to express themselves • Lose self identity • Cost • Depending on the school, some uniforms may cost more. Especially when buying more than one uniform at once • Comfort • Some kids are sensitive to certain materials

6. Discussion Questions • What do you think is best for students when it comes to the schools dress code? • Would you prefer your child to express themselves through their clothing or through another way such as art or music?

7. References • Brooks, M. (2010, February 5). Pro Con List of School Uniforms. Retrieved November 15, 2012, from Pro Cons Lists: http://www.proconlists.com/list/education/school-uniforms/35 • S, J. (2012, July 19). Retrieved November 15, 2012, from My Family Finances: http://myfamilyfinances.net/2012/07/average-family-spending-on-back-to-school-shopping-in-2012/