Policy Analysis

Introduction

The schools in the United States have to encounter a number of augmented challenges in the last few years. The challenges are not only regarding technological and educational background but they have to encounter an increasing number of social issues. The type of clothes worn by the students is also one of the factors that became a cause of many tragic social incidents at the U.S. schools. These issues are establishing in school districts across the country to attain momentum, especially among parents.

It has been mandatory for a fewer private schools in United States to wear uniforms or to follow dress codes for many years. However, the present incidents of violent behavior of some students in schools have headed to a growing concern in implementing uniforms and more strict dress codes into public schools too.

Currently, there are no such legislations proposed by the state or state department of education for a mandatory dress code or uniforms for the school pupils. However, 21 states of United States along with District of Columbia have made mandatory for the students to wear uniforms. Although the States already inducing dress code policies have not specifically implemented uniforms in their schools.

There is a bipolar opinion about the implementation of dress code policy within the schools. Some people argue that dress code following imparts a good impact on the behavior of the students and it also minimize the socioeconomic dissimilarities among the students. According to their view point, dress code boosts the student self esteem and level of confidence. Conversely, the opponents of the dress code believe that the policies requiring students to wear uniforms or follow dress codes are just the violations of the students' first amendment right. AS these policies repress individuality and coerce control that is not needed.

The debate over the policies stipulating dress code and uniforms keeps on every where; in the staff rooms, administrative rooms, and class rooms and in the cafeterias of the schools around the whole States.

Discussion

Part I - Interviews

To get an expert opinion over the debate, I also compiled some questions. I intended to ask these questions to some educationists or the people who are in the administrative posts for a long time that have vast knowledge about the educational policies. I believe that their opinion would be knowledge based. I interviewed MD, Principal at an elementary school at Boston, Massachusetts and PP, Assistant Principal at Millersville, Maryland. I asked them the following questions in the interview:

1. What is the policy on dress codes and uniforms in your State?

2. Do you think that restricting a dress code or uniform be a good idea in a diverse society; a society where several nations live together?

3. Is there any association between the school uniform policies and violence in the school?

Part II - Description of Policies

What was the need for the policy?

It is supposed that the implementation of dress code and uniform policies can enable to reduce violence in the school. It also put off students for wearing ...