The Importance of Uniforms in Public Schools
Abstract:
For a while, dress codes have been implemented in private and parochial schools across the county. It wasn't until more recent that the issue was brought to discussion about a dress code in public schools. Uniforms serve a purpose to the schools that are adapting the change in attire. The uniform dress code has helped make private and parochial schools more prestigious for their organization and the results of it. Uniforms would be beneficial to the public school system because a lot of what the public school system is known for would be stopped because of the newly executed dress code.
The Importance of Uniforms in Public Schools
Imagine a world where there was no organization, and it can be related to a public school. Imagine a world with no violence and gangs and class separation, and you can relate it to a parochial or private school. This is quite possibly due to the fact that the private and parochial schools use uniforms. Public schools have recently stepped up to their 'A' game around the country by implementing a new dress code. This dress code involves the required clothing in uniforms, which for a boy may include, a blazer, a polo shirt, a tie, khaki pants and dress shoes; and for a girl, a polo shirt with a plaid skirt, white socks and dress black shoes. This type of attire in school puts students in the mindset for future life, while making them feel as if they are accomplishing a great deal. While uniforms were first used in England as a source to ostracize poor children who could not afford attire, their purpose has changed drastically over the past century to represent the complete opposite then their origination. The use of uniforms have been par...
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It is a great idea for schools to implement a policy on school uniforms because statistics show that students who wear uniforms make better grades. Additionally, male students are not distracted by what female students are (or aren't) wearing. Moreover, students feel a sense of fairness with one another as they are all wearing the same things. When students are at one with one another, their confidence soars, which leads to better academic performance. Student uniforms help reduce the amount of bullying, and students who would normally be bullied now have a much better disposition while at school.
One aspect of having all students wear the same school-district uniform, is that it helps students focus on learning. In my case, I went to a private junior high school few years ago. Students there are required to wear the uniform every day; everyone dresses like a student. When I wake up every morning, I just grab my uniform and put it on without having any other thoughts about how it will look on me; thus I have more time to spend on learning. Therefore, I was prepared every day, and so were others. Yet, the high school I went to was a public school; it does not have any uniform policies. Comparing to my junior high, students dressed differently every day with different kinds of clothing. Since it does not require un...
This paper could be targeted at a couple of audiences. Firstly this paper could appeal to the general public, or anyone interested in school uniforms in general. More specifically, the papers audience could be the Greeley-Evans School Districts employees and board members.
Brunsma, David L. "The Effects of School Uniforms and Dress Codes on Behavioral and Social
If a complete stranger were to ever go onto a campus, staff members would be able to distinguish the intruder because everyone would be wearing the same thing. The intruder would be easier to spot among the crowd. Uniforms also create safety when a group of children go on field trip. It is easy for one student to get distracted and lose the group. However, when the teacher tries to find the student and speaks to the officials about the lost child, the student will be easy to identify because he or she will be wearing a school uniform. School uniforms have been proven to decrease violence in a school setting as well. The article, “School Uniforms: a qualitative analysis of aims and accomplishments at two Christian School,” provides an example by saying, “ Long Beach Unified School District was one of the first and largest districts in the United States to mandate school uniforms in 1994, and after one year the district reported improvements in student behavior…” (Firmin et al., 2006). Students get a sense of pride, tend to behave better, treat staff and each other with
Brunsma, David L. and Kerry A. Rockquemore. “Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Abuse, and Academic Achievement”. The Journal of Education Research. 92.1 (1998): 53-62. Print.
When a child knows what is expected of them, as far as dress goes, it helps with distractions in the classroom. Uniforms ecourage modesty and also reduces the need for discipline from teachers because a student is not following dress code. When uniforms are in place, children come to class looking professional which can promote a better learning environment. The last and possibly the most important reason why I believe school uniforms are necessary is for social equality.
At the beginning of the 20th century almost no parent or faculty had any concerns with how students dressed to attend school. Nowadays, though, this is a giant concern among students, parents, and school board officials. Many arguments have been made over the matter saying uniforms should be required and enforced in schools. But, uniforms should not be required as they ultimately eliminate freedom of expression, promote conformity over individuality, may have a detrimental effect on students self image, emphasize the socioeconomic divisions they are supposed to eliminate, and lastly, school uniforms in public schools undermine the promise of a free education by adding an extra expense for families.
Boutelle, Marsha. “Uniforms: Are They A Good Fit?” The Education Digest Feb. 2008: 37. Print.
School uniforms are a boiling conversation point these days. There are so many well-built points of view about what route parents, students, and superintendents wish to go in. It has been disputed that school uniforms have the potential to make a school safer, that uniforms reduce harassment or self-esteem issues, and that uniforms return the focus to the students' learning. I disagree. I, in fact think that school uniforms do not help make our schools a more secure place, I think that they do not revisit the center of attention to student's education - they just shifted where the attention was previous, and that they won’t help cut down on harassment or self- esteem issues in school.
School uniforms have positive effects like rising attendance records, improved grades, and decreased behavioral problems. Since 1994, school systems in Long Beach, California have required school uniforms. Attendance rates have been rising and fighting has dropped by more than half. Crime and suspensions declined by approximately one third. School uniforms reduce the wearing of gang-related clothes and helps some students concentrate more on academics instead of on clothes, which in turn, increases grades.
Mentioned in Pros and Cons of School Uniforms, “When children wear their own clothes into school, this then becomes a time for them to judge each other, so it prevents competition and teasing” (Pros and Cons of School Uniforms). When you have school uniforms you won’t be wearing different things so you will become more equal. If the students are equal, it then reduces judgement and bullying between the students and makes the school a better place. Another positive statement on how school uniforms are beneficial comes from, Pros and Cons of School Uniforms, “Many educators believe that students who wear school uniforms perform better academically in school, and a study done in 1988 by Notre Dame shows a slight statistical evaluation in student performances among students who wear uniforms” (LoveToKnow). School uniforms will remove the clothing distraction and increase the amount of time given to the academics. Some students take time in the morning to get ready for school, uniforms will allow that time for sleep and studies. According to Procon.org, “Parents can reduce their financial burden when their children are limited to wearing one outfit everyday” (ProConorg Headlines). You won’t feel the pressure to buy clothes that are in style, or expensive and trendy. Uniforms are easier to maintain. They tend to last longer and can be washed easier than other clothes. Wearing school uniforms create a community of higher educated students and equality to
When students are not wearing uniforms, students are tending to act the way they are dressed for school. Uniforms are to help students to focus and do better in school and outside of school. School outfits are one of several demands factors that influence learning. It allows students to look more formal on their personality and not how they are dress. Students are allowed determined what is expected at school and the freedom they have outside of school in fashion. It also helps learners to be more discipline in their education and keep them from distractions as clothe design competition to each other. The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and Asia-Pacific Economics Blog (APECSEC) statistics have shown that uniforms impacted in classroom discipline of 85 percent and 44 percent of attendance ( School Uniforms Pros and Cons 5) and (National Assoclation of Elementary School Principle 1-2). When school system is not demand for students to wear uniforms and represent the school, sometime students are not willing to attend classes. Professor Scott
School Uniforms are a logical choice for the public school venue. Uniforms prevent students from a lower income background to be singled out for poorly made or cheap clothing, prevents use of gang colors, allows for certain safety measures, and allows teachers to form impressions of students based on actions and work rather than dress code choices.
Point 1 (Brian): Having school uniforms will greatly lift the feeling of teamwork and sense of school spirit and belonging, and is a benefit for students. According to SafeSchools.edublogs.org, school uniform programs make it easier for students to develop a sense of belonging at school because greater attention is given to who they are instead of what they wear. School uniforms will make students feel that they are ...