Policy and Practice: Dress code / Uniform policy

1. Policy and Practice: Dress code / Uniform policy • Objectives: • Provide an overview of the pros and cons to this debate as revealed by common literature addressing the topic. • To present various and points of view including parents, students, educators and the public. • Use PSUSD as an example of dress code policy. Then analyze behavior data to establish a link to dress code and behavior (discussion point) • Chocolate! & Dum Dums!

2. Pros School administrators face a complicated task setting a dress code: with inappropriate coverage (for example, strapless, halter, and midriff tops and too-short skirts and shorts) and inappropriate insignia (for example, slogans for alcohol and cigarettes and clothing with vulgar language or representing otherwise objectionable connections, such as gang membership), it may be easier to have a uniform than to detail and enforce independently chosen clothing.  Dress code aside, the interest in fashion and fad combined with peer pressure can lead to pressure to spend money that some families can ill afford: school uniforms refocus this issue.  Wearing of school uniforms prevents the formation of dress-identified cliques  The wearing of school uniforms emphasizes membership and group identity, fostering a community spirit.  Crimes involving stealing items of apparel are unlikely to be perpetrated if everyone’s apparel is identical.  Because students can be easily identified, intruders in the school setting can be more readily identified and students on field trips are more easily accounted for.  The wearing of school uniforms helps students to realize that a person’s unique gifts and personality traits go deeper than their apparel and aren’t diminished by uniform dress.

3. Cons • Uniforms interfere with students’ rights for self-expression.  • Uniforms are an unnecessary expense and can create an economic hardship themselves.  • Uniforms are an unnecessary exertion of power by administrators who don’t know how to exercise responsible authority.  • The wearing of uniforms does not prevent the formation of cliques or gangs.  • The wearing of uniforms does not prevent students from expressing unpopular or inappropriate views in other ways.  • School uniforms can be ugly and/or unflattering, and having to wear something unattractive or unflattering is not good for students’ self-image.  • The wearing of uniforms my delay or prevent students from having to learn how to get alongside of people whose personal taste differs markedly from their own and which they may find unappealing.  • The wearing of school uniforms may give students the impression that conformity is the way to prevent conflict, and this is not an appropriate message for schools to send.

4. News Cast

5. Student Perspective

6. Parent Made Video: “Pro Dress Code”

7. PSUSD Dress Code • E.C. 35183/35183.5 - All pupils have the responsibility to themselves and to other members of the student body to attend school appropriately dressed. Each student shall dress in accordance with the good standards of health and safety, and any students not meeting these standards may be sent home to prepare themselves before re-entering school. Students should come to school properly prepared for participation in the education process. • 1. No student on or about school property shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign or other items which are potentially disruptive to the learning environment and a positive school climate. • 2. Shoes must be worn on campus at all times. • 3. Clothing not acceptable at any time: • Short shorts, bathing suits, tube tops, bare midriffs or revealing top • Clothing with obscene or offensive logos, graphics, lettering or handwritten wording • Clothing advertising or promoting alcohol, drugs, violence or any illegal substances •  Articles of clothing, jewelry, or accessories which, in the opinion of the school, pose a threat to the physical or psychological well-being and safety of the student or others (e.g., spiked collars or wristbands)

8. All Schools

9. Rio Vista Rio Vista opened 6 years ago with a dress code policy and plans to continue with it.

10. Vista Del Monte This school has had a policy for at least six years. However, gradually it has not been enforced due to “opt outs”. For the last 2 years no policy has been enforced.

11. Lindley Della Lindley has never had a dress code or uniform policy and there are no plans to have one in the future.

12. Cahuilla Cahuilla has had a policy for over six years until the last 2 years, when they really started to “crack down.”

13. Agua Caliente has had a policy for “over 10 years”. They are very proud of the policy and have the strong support of the PTG. Parents who elect to opt out are highly discouraged. The principal will meet with the parents to discuss their concerns. If cost is cited as a factor then the PTG provides uniforms for the child. The result is that there are less than 10 students total who have opted out. Most will eventually elect to wear the uniform. Agua Caliente

14. Two Bunch Palms “Two-Bunch” has never had a dress code or uniform policy and there are no plans to have one in the future.

15. Corsinibegan a policy two years ago. They are appearing to be struggling to enforce it. Approximately 50% of the students have “opted out” beginning this year citing cost as the primary factor for not participating. Julius Corsini

16. Business Dress Code