How+does+school+dress+policy+affect+student+behavior?

Carol, M. (n.d). Ironing out policies on school uniforms. //USA Today//.

This USA Today article presents a short analysis of the dress code issue. Although it does not focus on the behavioral aspect of the issue, it is alluded to. The article mentions that uniforms have been enforced to “reduce social pressure from fashion-savvy students,”, the belief being that there will be less oppressive behavior if there are no apparent inequities. The socio-economic effects of imposing a uniform are also discussed. Some individuals believe that it is a breach of the right to both freedom of expression, as well as the right to a free public education. Some required school uniforms can cost in excess of $600. This article is not as specific to my research questions as others. It is an analysis source from a reputable newspaper, however. Some information related to behavioral affects of uniforms is present, but there is little empirical data. Most of the information is related to the affects of uniforms on academic success, and the legality of public school uniforms.

KATE STONE, L. (2002, June 16). EDUCATION; It's Hot in Class. But Cover Up Anyway. //New York Times//. p. 4.

This NewYork Times article discusses the dissatisfaction of students, and some parents, over restrictive dress policy. The article mainly focuses on female students disapproval of policies that inhibit wearing clothes that expose too much skin. One female student of 18 feels that they (female students) should not be punished for male behavior. This student feels that the restrictions are put in place because male students are distracted by more revealing apparel. Another student, president of her class, feels that as young adults preparing for college she should not be concerned with meeting a poorly defined standard of dress. Parents of students at the same school feel that it should be the schools responsibility in helping shape what they feel is a respectable adult. This article is less formal than the others. It does not present a thorough analysis of the topic. It does provide a few anecdotal pieces of evidence supporting both sides. Also offers the perspective of students on the topic of dress policy. The information is also not exclusive to schools with uniforms and is relevant when discussing less formal dress policies.

Mancini, G. (1997). School uniforms: dressing for success or conformity?. //The Education Digest//, //63//62-65.

This article focuses on all of the pros and cons of a dress code. It uses mostly anecdotal evidence to support both claims. Many individuals mentioned in this publication are teachers who have grown to favor restrictive dress policies after they have been implemented at their institutions. Others are intellectuals and college professors with varying opinions. A third viewpoint is also presented in this article that favors a less restrictive dress policy. This policy allows for student self-expression but treats changes in student dress as signals of changes in behavior. This article offers great anecdotal evidence. It also gives the viewpoints of several parties from both sides. Most memorable passage: “I’m concerned that we continue to create non democratic sites and policies in our public schools and then expect children to learn what it means to live and function within a democratic society. Uniforms may just be another simplistic, quick-fix attempt to affect behaviors that are highly complex,”.

Studak, C. M., & Workman, J. E. (2007). Civil Behavior, Safe-School Planning, and Dress Codes. //Journal Of Family And Consumer Sciences//, //99//(3), 23-28.

This article focuses on the reasons that schools have made revisions of their dress codes. The articles data is based off of 104 articles from 44 newspapers across the country. These revisions are frequently tied into student behavior. Although the most common reason for dress code revision was due to current fashion trends, many revisions were put in place to prevent domestic terrorism in schools, and any associated behaviors. One of the clothing-bans that may fall under this category is bans on gang-related apparel. The idea is that harmful behaviors will be less prevalent if the harmful identity can be dissociated from the clothing. This in turn will promote a safer school environment that is ore conducive to learning. This study is presented in a very formal and articulate format. The data is given in a logical, easy-to-process layout and has empirical data present. Not as specifically geared towards my research question, but good data.

Swafford, M., Jolley, L., & Southward, L. (2011). The Student Dress Code Debate. //Techniques (Association For Career And Technical Education)//, //86//(1), 10-11.

This article presents an unbiased view of the controversial topic of student dress codes. This article focuses largely on the correlation between student behavior and student dress. According to this article, it is a common belief amongst psychologists that the way an individual dresses is an outward representation of their inner values and characteristics. The given examples are that students who wear vulgar t-shirts are more likely to engage in violent behavior, and to have poorer school attendance. Many supporters of school dress codes take this to mean that more well-dressed students will perform better. However, this article also mentions that studies show that there is no empirical data showing any direct effect of dress policy on student substance abuse, behavioral problems, or academic success. Another study mentioned by this article shows that students that view clothing as less offensive are no more likely to have behavioral problems. This article presents the situation in an unbiased manner. There are many references to specific studies, and the findings support both sides of the argument. There is no empirical data in this article that supports dress codes, however. Some of the findings are only speculative.