The controversy over school dress codes continues. The debate involves questions like, why is there a policy? Who sets the policy? Who enforces the policy? What is a fair policy? Tweens and teens have an opportunity to engage in the debate as they read an article about dress codes and study incidences involving these policies. They then design a dress code for their own school.

Concepts

dress codes, sexism, stereotypes, freedoms, gender bias, primary source analysis, informational texts

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• The information in the lesson is dated (2014); therefore, have groups investigate current controversies surrounding dress codes

Classroom Considerations

• Requires copies, one per pupil, of the Fox News article and one copy per group of the "Proposed Dress Code" worksheet

Pros

• The discussion questions ask learners to think beyond freedom of expression to other concerns like school safety

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.W.4 CCRA.SL.1