Mandatory Uniforms in Schools
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
1. Summary of Positions
❒ Have you briefly introduced the author and publication context (year, journal, etc.) of Article 1?
❒ Have you included a summary of the stance presented in Article 1?
❒ Have you briefly introduced the author and publication context (year, journal, etc.) of Article 2?
❒ Have you included a summary of the stance presented Article 2?
2. Thesis/Claim
❒ Does you claim address both sides of the issue, including specific points raised in the articles?
❒ Does your claim present a clear, workable solution that could be viewed as a “middle ground” between the two sides?
3. Analysis
❒ Have you backed up your claim using facts from both sides of the argument?
❒ When using direct quotations, have you supplemented them with your own explanation of their relevance?
4. Reflection
❒ Have you answered all reflection questions thoughtfully and included insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?
❒ Are your answers included on a separate page below the main assignment?
B. Reflection
(ON A SEPARATE PAPER)
DIRECTIONS: Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
1. How does the Rogerian model of argument help you better understand the topic that’s being discussed? Why is it a good practice to acknowledge both sides of the argument? (3-4 sentences)
2. Will you use the Rogerian Approach in your own argumentative essay? Why or why not? (2-3 sentences)
C. Rubric (ATTACHED)
D. Requirements
The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded:
Composition must be 2-3 pages (approximately 500-750 words).
Double-space the composition and use one-inch margins.
Use a readable 12-point font.
All writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
Composition must be original and written for this assignment.
Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition.
Include all of the assignment components in a single file.
Acceptable file formats include .doc and .docx.
APA Format for Reference on separate page.
ANSWER
Mandatory Uniforms in Schools
The debate surrounding school dressing codes has been ongoing for some time now. In a country that boasts of its diversity, introducing a dress code does not make any sense. A dress code would cover up the diversity of different people and even stifle the creativity and fashion sense of many teenagers who are discovering themselves at this time of their lives. Dress codes in schools are also another way of encouraging young teenagers to hide their true selves, and therefore a number of people disagree with the whole idea. There are, however, people who believe that a dress code will go a long way in improving the education system. Deane (2015), on dressing diversity, students should be trusted to dress diversely and work out the problems associated with living. Anderson (2002) believes that schools are justified to wisely use proper dress code interventions as long as the reasons are not exaggerated. Both sides of this argument believe that children safety should be considered when it comes to schools, but both have different approaches where one believes safety can still be attained even with children expressing their individuality while the other believes that dress codes could be the solution.
Anderson (2002) highlights different cases where students believe that instituting a dress code similar to bandaging a wound instead of treating it. According to a report in his summary, students do not believe that dress codes cause violence in the school setting. They also do not believe that dress codes will improve grades. Students believe that introduction of uniforms will only stifle their individuality and their mode of expression. However, several states are allowed to introduce a dress code as long as they think they are doing so for the safety of the children. Deane (2015), on the other hand, believes that students should be trusted to have democracy and that schools should be treated like a city. She believes in perpetuating the politics of difference where students are okay with their differences. This can, however, be solved by including students in the decisions concerning dress codes. If the students are allowed to vote, they will have expressed their freedom to decide on what they can wear.
The Rogerian argument is a negotiation strategy where common goals are identified and opposing views are described objectively with the aim to reach an agreement. The Rogerian argument, in this case, is helpful as it helps both sides of the argument lay out their points. Those who do not support dress codes feel that dress codes stifle their individuality and silence their voices. Those who support dress codes are concerned with safety. In this case, both sides make valid points that can be objectively considered to develop a solution, such as a student’s developing dress codes that will not stifle their individuality and still promote safety. They could also develop alternative safety suggestions. In this case, both sides can agree in that students can choose to wear what make them express their individuality while still maintaining their safety.
Yes, I will use the Rogerian approach in my argumentative essay. I will use it because I believe every side should be heard. I also believe in developing solutions that satisfy both sides. If I were on the opposing side of an argument, I would also like my reasons to be objectively heard, and a solution is developed to address my concerns. I, therefore, will use the Rogerian approach in my essay as it is an excellent way to develop solutions to problems.
References
Anderson, W. (2002). School Dress Codes and Uniform Policies. Policy Report.
Deane, S. (2015). Dressing Diversity: Politics of Difference and the Case of School Uniforms. Philosophical Studies in Education, 46, 111-120.
