WEARING UNIFORMS AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Wearing Uniforms At Public Schools



Wearing Uniforms At Public Schools

Introduction

Through January of 1996? seven states have passed laws allowing public schools to implement uniform policies. Several more states are currently considering such laws? and numerous local school districts have instituted their own policies. This nationwide effort of implementing school uniforms is rooted in strategies being developed to assist in restoring order to unruly classrooms? to foster more adherences to discipline? improve self-esteem among the student population? and invoke a higher feeling of school pride. As one professor put it? "It's not the wearing of the uniform as much as the shared vision and commitment to making the school a better place" (Pedzich? 2002? pp 41-57)

This is a question that has been asked for decades by public school children everywhere. But in some schools? the answer is always the same. (Morris? 2000. p 87) Schools nationwide are debating whether or not their schools will join the thousands who have chosen to have their students wear school uniforms.

This movement is taking hold in many states. Ten years ago? only 3 percent of all public schools required that students wear uniforms. By 2004? that number had risen to 14% according to the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Some school officials support the policy? hoping that uniforms will encourage students to focus of their work. Critics? however? state that the students should be able to express themselves via their clothing. (Brunsma? 2006? pp 53-62)

'Expressing themselves' has taken a sharp turn in the past ten years however. The introduction of gangs? baggy pants? revealing clothing and more relaxed attitudes in some homes have led to the advent of mandatory uniforms. The use of uniforms at school? as opposed to the latest fashions? also may help the child avoid ridicule? embarrassment? or abuse from others over the 'have and have-not' stigma. (Northrop? 2002? p36) Uniforms assist in avoiding such conflicts by removing the chance for confrontation over clothing? at least during the child's at-school time.

The debate will continue? but based on the long and proven history of school uniforms in the private school sector? the positive academic-related results associated with school uniform programs? and the successful launch of mandatory uniform programs in public schools across the country? the trend seems to be developing and gaining support from all parties involved - students? parents? administrators? and the public.

Literature Review

A study that was published in The Journal of Education Research? found that the uniforms did nothing to improve the student's attendance or discipline and did not decrease drug use within the schools. The study also found that it affected the students in a negative way.

But many supporters believe that the students will behave how they are dressed. If they are dressed in a tailored manner? then the students will act accordingly. (Essex? 2001? p 38-39) Since students at some schools were upset by the fact that they had to wear uniforms while the teachers wore what they liked? schools made ...