A school has punished more than 20 pupils after it considered their shiny black leather Kickers against its uniform regulation.

Within minutes of arriving at Outwood Academy in Acklam, Middlesbrough, on Friday, several pupils had been sent back home for wearing “incorrect" footwear(鞋子). The secondary school, which has 860 pupils, states that only plain black shoes are allowed and trainers, boots, pumps or canvas shoes are banned.

It decided to revise its policy as part of a drive to improve standards at the previously failing school and a letter was sent out reminding parents what it considered to be “correct” footwear last week. But parents have criticized the school, saying their children's shoes were plain black and from the store selling for school wear.

The letter, issued on Wednesday, read, “Students should be wearing black shoes that can be polished. Any other colors of shoes, trainers or boots of any description are not permitted.”

Maddie Hayes, 14, was among a number of students excluded on Friday, despite having worn the same brand of plain black shoe for the last three years. Her mother, Jackie Hayes a travel agent from Coulby Newham, said her daughter was one of more than 20 pupils either sent home or put in isolation (隔离) for wearing the wrong school uniform. “Attendance at the school is already a major issue yet they are sending kids home. Fair enough if the shoes were brightly colored or had high heels, but Maddie's are plain, basic, black shoes.”

But executive principal, Rob Tarn, said some of the shoes were boots, which is against the school's rules. He said. “We have always been clearly regarding our requirements with uniform and our school has high expectations of student behavior. Students whose footwear does not meet the requirements are asked if they wish to borrow a pair of shoes bought by the school until they can purchase a more appropriate pair for themselves, a request which we think to be reasonable.”

School districts across the United States have reported that the number of students failing classes has risen many times higher than usual numbers.

Educators see a number of factors. Students learning from home often miss assignment —- or school completely. Internet availability is limited or not effectively established, making it difficult to complete and upload assignments. And teachers not seeing their students in person have fewer ways to note who is falling behind. That is especially true with many students keeping their cameras off during online classes.

The increase in failing grades has been seen in districts of all sizes around the country. In the Salem-Keizer Public School district, hundreds of students at first had grade scores of 0.0% .This showed that students simply were not taking part in school at all. In New Mexico, more than 40% middle and high school students were failing at least one class as of late October. In Houston, Texas, 42% students received at least one F in the first grading period of the year, double the amount in a usual year.

For it, schools have taken measures. Some schools are giving students more time to complete assignments. Advisory teams have increased contact with students. Teachers have been asked to temporarily stop assigning graded homework. And parents of Hispanic students were invited to learn how they can see their children’s grades online. I n Charleston, administrators are considering bringing in a grading system which permits instructors to give 50s instead of 0s to make it less harmful to students’ grades. “I' m an English teacher, not a math teacher, but I' ve learned zeros are very, very damaging to an average, ”Jody Stallings said.

The "best years of your life"? Maybe not, but you can learn to make the most of your high school days.

1. Learn to appreciate small things. Whether it's having a computer, having friends, having a good supply of food, a bed to sleep on, family that loves you, having a decent education or simply being born in this world.【小题1】Be happy, and life will reward you. Remember that these are the last few years you will be able to enjoy yourself without having to worry about the responsibility of an adult.

2. Choose your friends wisely. Unlike what many articles state, you don't have to be popular and have a gazillion friends to be happy. 【小题2】Try to have friends that like you who you are, not just because you are wearing a certain brand of shoes or something like that.

3. Be sociable. 【小题3】 While you only need 4 or 5 close friends, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to meet new people. Participating gives you something to do instead of sitting bored at home and wallowing in self-pity.

4. 【小题4】There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your hard work pay off in the form of A's and B's (but mainly A's). This also sets you up to get into a college you want to go to, which in turn prepares you for a career you will enjoy, improving your quality of life in the future. You'll get cheap car insurance as well if you have at least a B or A average.

5. Work at a job you can enjoy. Working is a great way to gain experience and to meet other people.【小题5】This will look great on your resume. If you can't find work, especially in this hard economic time, volunteer or make your own job.