I will talk about how Somali students see the American schools. I believe understanding the Somali culture related to the behavior of Somali students will be very helpful tools to the American school staff who want to help Somali students reach their educational goal. In Islamic tradition, the form of dress is important for Somali women and men. Men should also wear clothes that cover the body between waist and knees according to the tradition. They should both start dressing this way when they are between seven and nine years old.
Somali parents teach their kids how to dress before they reach the age of maturity or puberty.
That the schools should separate the girls from the boys when they have mixed or body-touching activities such as swimming class. That the schools should allow the Somali girls to dress in uniforms that reflect their culture if the school has uniforms. That the schools should give options to the students, especially girls, about any activity related to dress, for example, playing baseball or going to the school gym with sports dress. This should not be obligatory for the girls who do not want to participate. That the schools should consult with students parents should any conflict related to dress come up.