The Toulmin model approach to argumentative essay writing

Uniforms in Catholic Schools

This topic has increased in relevance during this particular time frame since St. Cyril's was recently allowed in the athletic league known as the East Bay Athletic Association (EBAA), in which it regularly encounters other Catholic school teams in friendly sports competition. This fact, and others, has contributed to the stark contrast between St. Cyril's and other Catholic schools which largely takes the form of the fact that the former is one of the only Catholic schools in the East Bay (and certainly within the aforementioned league) to not mandate the wearing of uniforms for its students. Traditionally, the two partisan sides related to this argument are that most of the students want to preserve the status quo and not wear school uniforms, while certain administrators -- including faculty, staff, and a growing number of parents -- are voicing their concern that uniforms should be required. A dispassionate examination of both sides reveals the fact that it is more advantageous for St. Cyril's students to wear school uniforms.

The principle reason that students at St. Cyril's want to preserve what they term free dress is so they can showcase their individuality. People can express themselves in various ways by the type of clothing they wear. For instance, young women can wear brightly colored dresses on warm summer or spring days to express their general mood and continuity with the climate, the time of year, and other natural factors. Many students at St. Cyril's have actually opted to attend this particular Catholic school because it allows them to wear the clothing that they select as opposed to that of a school uniform. Students at the school are in the first grade through the 8th grade. A recent article in the school newspaper polled a number of students; the overwhelming majority believes that free dress encourages creativity and a greater satisfaction of self during a time in which many children and adolescents are self-conscious about their appearance.

The primary reason that administration, teachers, staff and parents want students at St. Cyril's to wear school uniforms is because they believe that it reduces the level of distractions that students encounter on a daily basis, and helps them to concentrate on their schoolwork and their general edification. One of the ramifications of the individuality that students at St. Cyril's have embraced regarding their dress is that it enables them to considerably distinguish themselves from one another. For instance, some of the children in the lower school grades have taken to wearing the type of shoes known as 'wheelies', which allow them to get a running start and to take off rolling. Teachers have complained that these shoes essentially function as toys and serve to distract students from concentrating and staying on task. The administration has issued a proposal in which it has recommended a simple school uniform consisting of grey pants and white polo shirts for the boys, and plaid skirts, similar polo shirts and sweaters for the girls. However, it also calls for the boys to solely wear white K-Swiss classics and for the girls to wear dark colored shoes with rubber soles. The administration has presented this proposal to keep the students from concerning themselves with what they are wearing so they can instead focus on their schoolwork.

An analysis of both of these arguments actually illustrates the fact that the administration is correct. Despite the presence of 'wheelies' and other articles of clothing that can function as clothes in the younger grades, the older students get the more they can wear clothes that can present distractions. This fact becomes readily apparent when one considers the fact that during adolescence teenagers' hormones are effectively in overdrive. During this time period girls may be tempted to wearing clothing that is revealing. Doing so not only becomes a distraction between the genders, but also within them. For instance, girls frequently compare themselves to other girls and may have both overt and covert competition with one another, attempting to dress the best or the most provocative. There is a very real possibility that school then merely becomes a fashion show, instead of an academic institution to successfully prepare these men and women for life in secondary and postsecondary education. Additionally, it is quite possible that allowing students to wear whatever they want can detract from the wholesome, staid values of Christianity upon which this religion is based. There are certain Christian sacraments -- such as that involving marriage and the tradition of preserving one's virginity until marriage -- that certain clothing helps to discourage. It would certainly be a lot simpler if all of the students wore the same clothing and the only points of distinction between them was their academic prowess, their personalities, and the levels of devotion to Christianity which they evinced.