School Learning and Dress
Codes
So many today are concerned with
the notions of freedom and liberty. Voices are raised vigorously sounding
the alarm to rescue civil rights and free speech. Consequently, the
umbrella of free speech has been enlarged to include the disrespectful,
the immoral, and the perverse. Simultaneously, the spiritual fiber of
America continues to be unraveled such that it is hard to tell where we
stand morally and ethically. One area in which this is clearly evident is
the manner in which we dress.
The attitudes of rebellion that
were spawned in the ‘60s and ‘70s offered a license for some to challenge
the barriers of cultural norms. There were dramatic shifts in hair styles
and clothing choices as popular culture embraced rebellion and disdained
social standards. This movement, carried on the shoulders of free speech,
was lent credence from two powerful forces, Rock and Roll and Hollywood.
In the wake of this wave of change, social institutions in turn responded
with relaxed dress standards. The result is a growing population of young
people who mock order and discipline with excesses in dress, appearance,
body piercing, and body art.
In schools, shorts, t-shirts,
baggy and sagging pants, short dresses, and tight clothing have replaced
the modest and the neat. Extreme hair styles and bizarre clothing are
permitted in the name of free speech and self-expression engendering a
circus-like throng of children who look little prepared to behave and
dress for success in the world. One cannot help but wonder what effect
this phenomena has had on overall student learning.
Perhaps what we need is a revival
of standards. One simple solution is the uniform dress codes. In such
schools, students and teachers reflect attitudes of consistency and
stability in their attire while minimizing the need for monitoring of
students to adjust clothing or fix a dress code violation. Administration
no longer has to be called on to rule whether or not a student’s clothing
choice for the day falls within the district guidelines allowing teachers
and administration to focus more on the business of learning. Students
are less likely to be sent home or written up for dress code violations
when a predetermined and uniform standard of dress is set. Such systems
when put in place and appropriately enforced provide structure and
stability which are conducive to an effective learning environment.
Studies support the notion that
educational performance and behavior improves in more structured
environments. Special education practices have repeatedly demonstrated
the positive effects of structure and discipline on learning. It is safe
to say that this science can be extended to the ideas of clothing and
overall appearance. Few would disagree with the argument that excessive
liberties in dress and appearance are at best a distraction to learning
and achievement. I sincerely pray that the pendulum of cultural and
social standards soon begins to swing back in the other direction for the
sake of our children and our integrity.
In the meantime, I challenge
parents and children, especially those who name the name of Christ to
present an image that demonstrates conviction and consistency. Look to a
higher standard of excellence that sets you apart from the world and its
devices, better preparing you to face the challenge of the world beyond
high school.
