The principal of Tarrant High School made a really important point last night. He said that in his experience he has realized that all these rules about how you wear your hair and uniform etc haven’t changed outcomes and the students are still turning to crime.

He said that what really makes the difference is student centered learning. Listening to the students and creating an environment where they feel heard and valued.

We really need to challenge this idea we have that because wearing your school uniform skirt six inches below the knee for example is somehow indicative of a good education.

Not saying that students mustn’t dress appropriately for the classroom and I’m not saying that we must do away with uniforms. I think uniforms are important especially when you have students from various socio economic backgrounds ....

BUT we need to rethink the rationale behind some of these rules and be open to changing them to account for modern realities and create a productive learning environment that is student centered.

We also need to make it the norm to shift the burden on the state to justify why some of these rules are necessary.