Article 1: School Uniforms: Should Your School be Telling You What to Wear?
Samantha Gebicki was nervous about starting a new school in fourth grade. She was leaving
behind her close friends. She'd heard that the work was harder. But what upset her most?
"When I first saw the uniform," says Sam, who is now 12, "1 couldn't believe it." Every day, no
matter what, Sam would have to wear the same white shirt, plaid jumper, and (gulp) necktie.
There would be no more jeans. No more Gap T-shirts or leggings or Crocs. "I wanted to cry,"
she says.
Happier Students?
But is wearing a school uniform something to shed tears about? In fact, many experts insist that
school uniforms improve learning, keep schools safer, and (gasp) even make students happier.
It's no wonder the number of schools requiring uniforms is growing. Today, 18 percent of
students in the U.S. wear them. In the past, it was mostly private schools that required uniforms.
But more and more public schools are bringing on the jumpers and blue blazers. In New
Orleans and Chicago, the majority of students now wear uniforms. Principals in many high crime
areas say that uniforms can transform a school, making students and teachers safer.
Troublemakers can't hide dangerous objects under their clothes. Fights don't break out over
expensive clothing. Kids in gangs cannot wear gang colors or symbols to school. Even in quiet
towns, uniforms are catching on. When all students wear the same thing, kids don't have to
stress about having the latest brands. Why beg your parents for a pair of $150 Uggs if you can't
wear them to school?
Cost and Comfort
Still, some experts believe uniforms have drawbacks. Many are expensive. Some kids feel
uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing uniforms rather than clothes they choose for style
and fit. There's also the issue of how clothing can help us all—kids especially— express who we
are: a Mets fan or a Taylor Swift fanatic, one of the crowd or someone who dares to be different.
Finally, learning to choose clothes for school is important practice for later in life. As a teenager,
picking the right clothes for a job interview or college visit can mean the difference between
success and failure. Overall, though, education experts are united in their support for school
uniforms. And after four years of wearing her uniform, Sam Gebicki would agree. "1 do miss
being able to express myself through my clothes and seeing what my friends were wearing
every day," she says. "But it's nice to just get up and get dressed without worrying."
Article 2: Wearing a Uniform Actually Has Its Benefits
Dressing alike reinforces sense of belonging and makes mornings easier
Kids have been wearing uniforms to class for hundreds of years. One of the first references to school
uniforms dates back to 13th century England, when the Archbishop of Canterbury instituted the robe-like
cappa clausa as the new dress code for young academics. During the 16th century, Christ's Hospital
School in West Sussex, England, began doling out long blue coats and yellow knee socks to its students -
and its young academics still wear something similar today.
Blazers, button-down shirts and pleated skirts have been the norm at Canadian private schools for many
years.
And although the dress code hasn't changed much at most institutions, the debate about the merit of
school uniforms continues. Here are a few of the reasons students at Toronto's finest private schools
head to class in uniform.
Easier mornings
Not having to worry about putting together an outfit helps parents and kids get out the door faster. There
are no debates with tenacious kindergarteners over favourite dresses or butting heads with
fashion-conscious tweens over what's appropriate in the classroom. Everyone knows exactly what to
wear, from ties to Oxford shoes. Bonus: The cost of outfitting kids in a school uniform is probably
comparable to what many parents spend on regular back-to-school shopping. The price of most private
school uniforms runs from around $250 to $800, but many schools have used uniform programs that can
save up to half the cost. Plus, most kids only need a few sets to see them through the school year.
A sense of belonging
Uniforms can reinforce a sense of community amongst a school's student body, educators say. "Many
parents convey that their children have a sense of belonging and pride in the school uniform," says Rick
Parsons, principal at the Sterling Hall School for boys in North York. Seeing everyone, every day, wearing
the school colours can only boost school spirit.
Less emphasis on appearances
Pro-uniform educators point out that less focus on fashion in the classroom can make more room for
learning. It might also make life a little easier for kids, if they don't have to give as much thought to their
appearance. "I would suggest that many young people are saddled with a burden of presentation that
may be naturally informed by societal influences and pressures; it may be a reflection of their actual
identity or an identity that they wish to project," Parsons says. "In short, most students in uniform do not
worry about what they wear because there is no peer judgment."
They still get to dress up (and down)
"Havergal's formal uniform is worn once a week and on special occasions," says Kelly Davies, business
office manager at Havergal College, a private school for girls in North York. It consists of a blazer, kilt or
dress pants and a dress shirt. But on other days, girls can wear the school golf shirt, turtleneck or
sweater, she says. At Sterling Hall, boys can modify the uniform for special events such as Pink Shirt Day
(to support anti-bullying) or during sports playoff seasons to support the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto
Raptors teams.
Parsons says one of the biggest misconceptions he hears is that uniforms are disliked by students. "In
most cases, students do not think about it or worry about it because everyone's in the same boat," he
says.
In most cases, students don't think about wearing a uniform because everyone else is, too, says Rick
Parsons, principal at the Sterling Hall School.
Introduction
A. Hook (one-two sentences where you excite the reader to make them want to keep reading):
B. Background (one-two sentences that summarizes the debate):
C. Claim (one sentence where you tell the reader which side of the argument you are on):
D. Transition into first body paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the first reason that supports your claim in the first body paragraph):
A. Hook: With the growing number of schools requiring uniforms, it is important to consider the pros and cons of implementing a dress code policy.
B. Background: The debate over school uniforms has been ongoing for years, with some experts insisting that they improve learning, safety, and overall student happiness, while others argue that they restrict individuality and self-expression.
C. Claim: School uniforms have numerous benefits and should be implemented in schools.
D. Transition into first body paragraph: One reason to support the implementation of school uniforms is that they promote a safer and more secure learning environment.
what if you are against uniforms
A. Hook: The issue of school uniforms has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing against their implementation and advocating for students' freedom to choose their own attire.
B. Background: While some believe that school uniforms improve various aspects of education, such as creating a sense of belonging and reducing distractions, others argue that they infringe upon students' individuality and personal expression.
C. Claim: School uniforms should not be mandatory as they limit students' freedom of self-expression and fail to address more significant issues in education.
D. Transition into first body paragraph: One reason to oppose school uniforms is that they restrict students' ability to express their unique personalities and interests.
another way if you are against them
A. Hook: The debate surrounding school uniforms continues, with proponents arguing for their benefits, but there are also valid reasons to oppose their implementation.
B. Background: While some believe that uniforms improve discipline and create a sense of equality among students, others argue that they stifle creativity and hinder self-expression.
C. Claim: School uniforms should not be mandatory as they limit students' freedom of expression, inhibit their individuality, and fail to address the root causes of educational challenges.
D. Transition into first body paragraph: One reason to oppose school uniforms is that they place unnecessary financial burden on families, particularly those already struggling to meet basic needs.
different transition when against them
D. Transition into first body paragraph: Additionally, mandating school uniforms can contribute to feelings of discomfort and self-consciousness among students, leading to negative impacts on their overall well-being and academic performance.
transition when against them about self expression
D. Transition into first body paragraph: Furthermore, school uniforms restrict students' ability to express their unique personalities and creativity through their clothing choices, potentially stifling their self-expression and hindering their personal growth.
for against uniforms
Body Paragraph #1 (Reason #1)
A. Topic Sentence (one sentence where you write the first reason that supports your claim/thesis):
B. Evidence (one-two sentences- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):
C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?):
D. Transition to next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the second reason that supports your claim in the second body paragraph):