Amanda Devion – Call Me Old Fashioned, But Schools Need Rules!

As the title of my blog suggests, I believe that rules are a necessity within the school system at large. I can see the side of argument about “top-down rule making assumes passive citizenship where students are relatively powerless” (p. 173), but I feel that there is a need for standard and consistent rules for the school as a whole. Once our students enter the workforce, there are certain rules that need to be followed if they want to maintain their job. Such rules as arriving to work on time; looking professional by dressing in specific uniforms or personal attire; completing tasks in a prompt and thorough manner are just a few of many possible examples. If there isn’t the structure of rules in the school system, how are our students going to be prepared for the ‘real world’? Raby suggests that the way that rules are currently practiced within the school system appears “to reflect the desire to create obedient future employees or citizens” (p. 174). The word that bothers me in that statement is ‘obedient’. As an employee, I follow the rules set out before me, but I am far form ‘obedient’. I feel that all people have a voice and should the opportunity be heard! So here is where I say that in my ideal world there is space and need for both passive and active student citizenship.

Passive citizenship comes into play for the overarching safety and respect for others rules. This also includes conforming to the schedule and tasks requirements of the school system. These rules need to stay consistent from year to year, so that students can learn what is expected of them their first year and return knowing these standards for the following years without confusion.

Active citizenship can be incorporated into the classroom rules. Students can be part of making the rules as well as reinforcing them. I feel that early years students can be mature enough to state if they feel they have been unjustly punished. Therefore, it would be necessary for the teacher to teach/mentor an age appropriate way to form a ‘grievance’. Involving the students in producing the ‘grievance’ procedure can help facilitate this learning. I also can see the idea of an internal committee made up of the principal, select students and teachers to address rule infractions working positively for middle and senior years age groups (p. 175).

Discussion Question: Do you feel that student dress codes are necessary in the school system? Why or why not?