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"but in many areas, parents don't want their children wearing uniforms, or even following a strict dress code."

I know what you mean. I argued on behalf of school uniforms once on FR, and was sorely pummelled. Something about jackboots and Hitler Youth. Problem is, some feel that any form of dicipline borders on abuse. My opinion is that strict dicipline as a youth encourages one to think before one acts later in life. In other words, it can instill a sense of responsibility. Some seem to see this as a bad thing. They see it as crushing individuality and creativity. Meanwhile, Johnny still can't read.

The median income in Baltimore is $34,500 while a starting teacher makes $34,973 and can earn up to $68,534 with senority and advanced degrees. This is not including other benefits: tuition tax credits, signing bonuses, relocation loans, fully paid health insurance, fully paid dental program, prescription drug program for only $4 per month, fully paid life insurance, fully paid vison plan, pension plan, tax sheltered annuity program 403 b, tuition reimbursment, student loan repayment, Baltimore home ownership partnership, teacher next door program, and employee assistant plan. Oh and I forgot the stipends such as:advanced professional certificate stipend ($2000), national certificate stipend ($4000), and critical shortage development bonus ($1500).

Cry me a river!

Problem is, some feel that any form of dicipline borders on abuse. My opinion is that strict dicipline as a youth encourages one to think before one acts later in life. In other words, it can instill a sense of responsibility. Some seem to see this as a bad thing. They see it as crushing individuality and creativity. Meanwhile, Johnny still can't read.

I agree with you. It also seems to me that children crave discipline & limits, although they will also fight against them. They want to know where the boundaries are, and children with no boundaries are miserable creatures.

The problem here is parents who have bought into the whole "crushing individuality and creativity" thing, or just think they are showing their love for their children by taking up for them against the mean awful school employees...even to the point of going to court to keep the children from having to follow the rules.