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Apr 20, 2018 · Yeung, Ryan. Educational Policy, 2009, Vol. 23. doi: 10.1177/0895904808330170. Abstract: “One of the most common proposals put forth for reform of the American system of education is to require school uniforms. Proponents argue that uniforms can make schools safer and also improve school attendance and increase student achievement.
- Student Achievement
Student Achievement - School uniforms: Do they really...
- Children
Children - School uniforms: Do they really improve student...
- Student Achievement
Make uniforms available and inexpensive. Provide flexibility and assistance for low-income families. Implement a pilot program. Align uniform / dress code policy with school safety framework. The literature is mixed about the impact school uniforms have on improving student behaviour and academic achievement.
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- General
- Student Dress Details
- Policy Enforcement
- Uniformed Schools
- Questions and Concerns
What is the Student Dress Policy?
The Student Dress Policyhas been developed to provide students with learning environments that are safe, equitable, welcoming and inclusive and recognizes that decisions about dress reflect individual expression of identity, socio-cultural norms, and economic factors and are personal and important factor’s to a person’s well-being and health.
Why was the policy revised?
The policy was reviewed and revised under a critical equity review of operational requirements and current practices, as well as a scan of related policies in other school boards. The Board also received an overwhelming amount of feedback from students who felt the design, application and enforcement of individual school dress codes was unfair, often resulting in shaming and differential treatment that disproportionately and negatively impacted: female-identified students, racialized students...
What has changed in the policy?
Some of the key changes include: 1. Renaming the policy to Student Dress Policy(formerly the Appropriate Dress Policy) 2. Creating a unified system-wide dress code for all schools based on the principles of fairness and equity 3. Ensuring enforcement is fair, consistent and transparent 4. Focusing on student voice, impact and engagement in development, review and revisions of the dress code 5. Ensuring student engagement in any uniform policy development as well as an equal right to vote in a...
What are students allowed to wear?
All students: 1. Must wear a top and bottom layer of clothing of opaque material. 2. May wear tops that expose arms, shoulders, stomachs, midriff, neck lines, cleavage and straps but must cover the nipples. 3. May wear bottoms that expose legs, thighs and hips and expose straps and waistbands, but must cover the groin and buttocks. 4. May wear any headwear that does not obscure the face. 5. May wear dress requirements to support a creed practices and similar human rights accommodations. 6. Ma...
Does this mean headwear can be worn anywhere at school, all the time?
Yes, any headwear that does not obscure the face can be worn to school, during classes and assemblies.
What if students try to use their hoodies/ headwear to hide ear buds in class?
If students are not supposed to be using ear buds in class and you discover a student who is using their headwear to hide them, ask the student to remove the ear buds. If the issue persists it would be reasonable to ask the student either wear the hood/ headwear far enough back so their ears are fully exposed or to remove their hood/headwear until the end of class.
Who is responsible for the policy?
The implementation, coordination and day-to-day management of the policy is assigned to the school Principal.
How is the policy enforced?
To ensure effective and equitable enforcement, staff must be consistent and fair in application of the student dress code and base decisions on objective, verifiable evidence of impact. Any dress that promotes violence, bias, prejudice, hate or presents a risk to health and safety will be responded to using the caring and safe school code of conduct and may result in discipline. All other dress code violations will be treated as minor on the continuum of school rules and offer students choice...
How do Principals use their judgement and discretion on what is considered “offensive?”
The Board gives clear direction in many policies related to equity, human rights, occupational health and safety, board code of conduct, and caring and safe schools. However, whenever there is subjectivity in a principal’s decision regarding their school’s dress code enforcement they are expected to use judgement of what a reasonable person would conclude, based on a balance of probabilities and the impact and intent, using objective, verifiable evidence. “Offensive” is used in the Student Dr...
How does the policy change rules for schools with uniforms?
The previous TDSB procedures for adopting school uniforms completely excluded students from the discussions and process and mandated a three year review, renewal and vote for schools to maintain or change any uniform standards. The new student dress policy includes students in discussions about any uniforms, and maintains the same three year review, renewal and voting process however students from Grades 7-12 will be able cast their own vote, and any new uniform standard would be expected to...
What about families who have already purchased uniforms for next school year?
The Board recognizes that some families have already committed to purchasing their uniforms based on their current uniform school’s three year review cycle and is allowing for a transition period of old uniform standards to remain in place until the school takes its regular review vote over the next 1-3 years. Uniform schools will be expected, however, to fully implement every other aspect, including the enforcement process, of the new policy as of September 1, 2019.
Does this mean parents/ guardians have no more voting rights for uniform decisions at schools?
No, the policy allows parents and guardians of grades K-6 students to cast votes on their behalf. However, students in Grades 7-12 may cast their own votes and students from K-12 and parents/ guardians would need to be consulted and part of the discussions for any uniform vote, regardless of who was casting the vote.
I have concerns about the policy. Who do I speak with?
For issues that are unable to be resolved with staff, students are encouraged to put their concerns or complaints in writing. Written concerns will be reviewed and responded to by the Principal or Superintendent in a timely manner. Parents/guardians may use the Parent Concern Protocol (PR505), Board Code of Conduct (PR585), and the Reporting of Suspected Wrongdoing (Whistleblowing) Procedure(PR710) to address issues related to student dress code enforcement.
Where do I learn more about the policy?
Read the full Student Dress Policy.
The policy was developed to provide students with learning environments that are safe, equitable, welcoming and inclusive and recognizes that decisions about dress reflect individual expression of identity, socio-cultural norms, and economic factors and are personal and important factors to a person’s well-being and health. Some of the key ...
Discover why school uniforms can be a game-changer in education. This article examines how uniforms promote equality, reduce bullying, and enhance school identity, while also addressing concerns about cost and expression. Learn how uniforms improve student behavior and academic performance, and explore diverse global policies reflecting cultural norms and fostering unity and discipline.
- Sophia Martinez
- info@uphilltoschool.com
Mar 1, 2024 · The students in this video discuss the pros and cons of school uniforms. A University of Nevada, Reno, survey of 1,848 middle school students, published in 2022, revealed that 90 percent did not like wearing a uniform to school. Only 30 percent believed the uniforms “might reduce discipline issues, a mere 17 percent thought the uniform helped ...
People also ask
What is a school dress code & uniform policy?
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Are school uniforms a good idea?
Jan 1, 2018 · For example, Murray studied the effects of uniforms on school climate by comparing students in a school with a uniform policy to students in a school without a uniform policy. The two middle schools were from the same urban area and comparable in student characteristics such as racial composition, state categorization, and number of students receiving free/reduced price lunch.
