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Some Thoughts about School Uniforms
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QUESTION: I am currently researching the concept of
public schools accepting a school uniforms policy. This all came about when
my school board felt that this might be a good idea.
Let me first give you the demographics of the area in which I teach. We
are located in a Southern NH town with two middle schools (about 800 in
each) five elementary school and a private high school. This is in fact
still a town although size could dictate it as a city. Violence, such as
gang activity, is not an issue here.
Our school board, for unknown reasons, looked into having a uniform policy
for our school. Surveys were handed out to parents and teachers. More than
half of the parents surveyed favored the idea of a school uniform and 41%
of the public school teachers agree.
Am I missing the boat here, wondering what good could come out of this policy.
I am in favor of a dress code but find myself disillusioned with the extreme
restriction of a school uniform.
Are there times or places when/where a uniform policy does work?
ANSWERS FROM LISTSERV MEMBERS:
"I saw a marked difference in attitude and behavior"
I have worked in districts which had uniforms and those that did not. The
board in one district phased uniforms in during my administration. I saw
a marked difference in attitude and behavior after uniforms went into effect.
They instilled a sense of pride. In addition, the uniforms say to kids (subconsciously)
that this place is different... as they are not wearing jeans, t-shirts,
etc. We had a number of options in the uniform. For example, shorts on warm
days, a white shirt/blouse could be substituted with a school t-shirt. The
basic uniform was white tops, blue bottoms, dark socks, hard soled shoes.
Bring gym shoes to school. Usually, the teachers had the kids change into
gym shoes in the AM or PM depending on the time of day they had gym...less
interruption. They could always wear gym shoes on playground for lunch.
I personally have no problem with uniforms. I do not believe that it infringes
on free expression. They prepare students for the real world...even McDonalds
has employees wear uniforms! On the negative side, gangs require (and members
are proud to wear) identifiers as an indicator of belonging. School teams
require uniforms and nobody suggests that the team members are having their
expressions infringed upon.
This school prefers the description "standardized dress policy"
I teach at an urban middle school in Houston TX. A majority of our students
come from economically disadvantaged homes and could not afford uniforms
in the strictest sense of the word. Instead, we have adopted a "standardized
dress policy"-- our kids wear a plain white shirt, blouse, or sweater,
tucked in at the waist -- these can be knit, T-shirt, whatever, as long
as they are plain white--and blue pants or skirts, belted at the waist.
Again, the bottoms just need be dark blue or navy. Otherwise the kids can
wear jeans or whatever. Also, close-toed shoes must be worn (no sandals).
We have had serious gang problems in the past which have virtually been
eliminated by the dress policy. (Don't get me wrong--the gangs are still
there, but they don't bring their 'stuff' to school as in the past.) Also,
a bit of equalization has occurred: the most impoverished, as well as our
better-off students, dress the same. For self conscious adolescents, there
is some comfort in this. Our parents love it -- makes their lives easier
in a number of ways and the dress policy is highly affordable. The kids
grumble a little from time to time, but are now used to the policy for the
most part as we are now in our third year since adoption.
Of Kilts and Combat Boots
I spent my entire education in a uniform, albeit in a private school. I
never felt that my creativity was stifled, and that I couldn't express myself.
Frankly, I got rather creative in trying to figure out ways of being just
enough out of uniform to get hassled about it, but say, "I'm still
wearing my uniform!!" In conversations with my extremely wise former
headmaster, she suggested that "being out of uniform" was a totally
harmless way to allow us to rebel and feel like we'd gotten away with something.
And as a low-maintenance sort of person, I loved picking up my kilt from
the floor and throwing it on every morning.
While I am aware that there are plenty of people who will discount this
experience because it was not in public school, I just don't buy the "you're
stifling the kids creativity" argument. I felt plenty creative in my
tartan kilt and combat boots when I was in high school!, as did the girls
who wore Gucci shoes, too.
Uniforms or dress codes?
Wait a minute -- are we talking about uniforms or dress codes? It seems
as though these terms are being used interchangeably. Professionals do not
(except for doctors, I suppose) wear uniforms. They do, however, conform
to a dress code which is often implicit. It seems to me that a good administrator
who instills a strong sense of community in her school should have no trouble
encouraging teachers to work within an implicit dress code -- nor would
I expect those teachers to feel imposed upon. However, an explicit dress
code without the concomitant vision is only an authoritarian dictate that
is likely to rub even those of us who would never dream of stepping outside
of a professional code the wrong way. Uniforms are even worse.
Does this work for students also?
"I express my creativity through my work"
I teach at a Catholic school so, of course, my kids are in uniform. I do
have to deal with the infractions but there are consequences that are upheld
(as part of our discipline code). But the point I want to make has to do
with individuality and creativity.
Two years ago my student council officers were giving tours to prospective
parents on an Open House day and the students were in uniform. A father
asked the kids if wearing their uniforms didn't stiffle their creativity,
their indivuality. I held my breath but figured the truth would be worth
hearing. Without missing a beat, one of the boys said that the uniform allowed
him to present his creativity in other aspects of his life. Another chimed
in that her work spoke for her as a person and that without having to focus
on clothing, she wasn't so preoccupied by it. Phew!!!
I didn't think of the question in this manner at all and was blown away
by the answers (and so was the man). When really seriously conversing about
uniforms vs. 'free dress', my junior high students will tell about how uniforms
are 'okay' and they appreciate the sameness there and lack of worry over
clothes. They also mention that they then can spend their clothing allowance
on more 'fun clothing'.
Just a view from here. Mary Ellen
OTHER RESOURCES
Long Beach, CA has pioneered public school uniforms. Read
a story about the district's uniform policy and comments
by a teacher/administrator who lived through the transition to uniforms.
Also see the district's
webpages with lots of school uniform information.
Also see this discussion
of research on the effects of school uniforms, one of the few studies available.
And here's the complete
study (see news item below).
RESEARCH REPORT - EDUCATION WEEK
This item appeared in Education
Week, 11/11/98)
Uniform findings
After administrators in Long Beach, Calif., hailed the beneficial effects
of having their students wear uniforms, schools and policymakers rushed
to embrace the idea.
Among the districts that now allow schools to require uniforms for their
students are Baltimore, Chicago, Miami-Dade County, and Phoenix. Even President
Clinton endorses the concept.
But can uniforms really bring about the kinds of improvements that their
proponents claim? Do they lead to decreases in drug use and behavior problems
among students? Do they increase attendance and achievement?
The answer, says a
report in the September/October issue of The Journal of Educational
Research, is probably not.
Researchers David L. Brunsma and Kerry A. Rockquemore analyzed data on nearly
5,000 10th graders who took part in a federal study that began in 1988.
They adjusted the numbers to account for factors that might skew the data,
such as poverty or the high proportion of Catholic schools in the sample.
And they determined that sophomores in schools that require uniforms were
no less likely than their casually dressed peers to get in trouble in school,
to fight, smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. And they were no more
likely to attend school regularly or to get higher test scores.
In fact, the numbers showed that uniformed students' achievement scores
were slightly lower. But the difference, the researchers added, was very
small.
"Requiring school uniforms is like cleaning and painting a deteriorating
building," says Mr. Brunsma, an associate professor of sociology at
the University of Alabama in Huntsville. "It will grab a community's
attention and grab students' attention, but that will fade away if the excitement
about education isn't followed up by some real reform efforts."
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOL UNIFORMS
"School Uniforms:
How and Why" (National Association of Elementary School Principals)
Backgrounder on School
Uniforms (NAESP. Includes list of districts that require uniforms.)
"Can
Uniforms Save Our Schools?" (Education World, 1998)
"Do They Reduce
Violence--Or Just Make Us Feel Better?" (Education Week, 1996)
School uniforms: Where
they are and why they work (U.S. Dept. of Education website - includes
a user's guide to establishing a uniforms policy.)
West
Oso School District Considering Uniforms (Corpus Christi Caller-Times,
4/19/00)
"Philadelphia
To Require Students To Wear Uniforms" (Education Week, 5/17/00)
"N.Y.C.
Joins Growing List Of Districts Dressing the Same" (Education Week,
11/24/99)
Phila. considers uniforms; researcher says impossible
to "tease out" effects (Philadelphia Daily News, 4/27/00)
Does requiring
students to wear uniforms directly affect school environment and student
achievement? (Education World)
ERIC
Digest on school dress codes
An anti-dress code site created
by parents
Example
of a middle school dress code
Example
of a middle school code requiring uniforms
A school law article
about dress codes (AZ)
OUTRAGED?
IN FULL AGREEMENT?
Write us and let us post your thoughts about uniforms.
A parent writes:
My child's school is currently discussing the possible implementation of
a school uniform or a strict dress code. Initial community survey showed
that 71% of parents are in favor of either a "uniform" or "strict
dress code" in lieu of the current policy which is, essentially, no
policy.
This is an elementary school in a predominantly white, middle class community.
Violent behavior or gang related activity is not a concern. However, building
a respect for school, teachers and other students is a major concern.
Personally, my thoughts are that a uniform or strict dress code would have
a beneficial overall impact on the learning environment by establishing,
in the child's mind, that school is a special place that should be respected
and taken seriously. Establishing this respect for school, teachers and
other students needs to start in elementary school. Middle school, high
school is too late.
Uniforms or a strict dress code is not the total solution to creating a
better, more respectful student but, it appears to be a part of the solution.
Too many kids in our society seem to lack respect for school and all that
is represents. Parents need to intervene early and often to ensure that
our kids build a healthy respect for themselves, other students and teachers.
In general, I think parents need to take greater responsibililty for their
child's education. We need to get much more involved in the public school
system and demand accountability and change from stagnant educators and
administators who, for whatever reason, are not motivated or lack the will
to do what is in the best interests of all children.
A parent/teacher/researcher writes:
I am a doctoral candidate preparing my dissertation on school uniforms.
I found this site while "surfing" the web for research data on
the very subject. Anyway, I work in a public school (middle grades) that
implemented a school uniform/conservative dress code two years ago and,
as both a parent (my two daughters attend there) and as a member of the
faculty, I would like to share my experience(s) briefly with your readers.
The dress code: Khaki or navy blue pants, skirts, or shorts and white, navy,
light blue, or yellow shirts with collars. Pants with belt loops must be
worn with a belt (I've had students cut the loops off!) and shirts must
be tucked in at all times unless in gym class. Parents can opt-out by sending
their kids to another middle school in the district.
First, from the perspective of a parent: Pros--(a) clothing costs are cut
almost in half no matter what the experts say. Been there; done that. My
expenditures for school clothing decreased 45% to 50% the first year. Our
dress policy allows any type of footwear insolong as the shoe has a strap
on the heel. My daughters wear athletic shoes and those big, black shoes
with large heels (they are cute) that seem to be in style at the moment.
(b) No hassles in the morning about what to wear. By limiting the choices,
you limit the fashion dilemmas. Cons--none that I can think of.
From the perspective of a teacher: Pros-- Its difficult to say if discipline
has improved or not. This is a very small community school with generally
well-behaved students, good parent/faculty rapport, and, moreover, two years
ago when the school uniform policy went into effect, we also moved into
a new, state-of-the-art building ($12 million worth) from an old building
built in 1948. Thus, the new building may have had some intrinsic effect.
But, overall, I would say that behavior has improved and would base
my answer on knowing the normal environment/ambiance of this particular
school.
Cons--(a) As a member of the faculty, you are constantly policing students
about adhering to the school uniform policy whether it be a belt, an untucked
shirt, or whatever. This can wear you down after a few months. The students
know how to play that little game (didn't we, too) and many push the limits
daily. (b) The argument about setting students on an even, socioeconomic
level by having them dress the same does not ring true. Although, all students
may wear khakis, some wear Tommy Hilfiger khakis that cost twice as much
as JC Penney and the like, etc. You can still distinquish the haves from
the have-nots even if its less obvious.
Suggestions/Advice: This may not be possible for many districts, but I would
have to suggest that if a school was thinking about implementing a uniform
dress code policy that it consider making it a true uniform in the sense
that all students wear the same thing. This would end the problems of constantly
deciding how many shades Navy blue can be and the proverbial question that
can not be answered in today's world: Is khaki a color or a name brand or
both? And if we wear purple trousers with the name Khaki on it, aren't we
following school dress code policy? Gads! Perhaps insisting the uniforms
be purchased from the school store would also help since you're selling
the exact same brand name brand and, moreover, schools that buy in bulk
can receive discounts and pass these savings on to parents. Another plus
here is that the school could covertly subsidize disadvantaged students
(e.g., those on public assistance, free school lunch, etc.) by giving them
uniforms paid for by profits from a modest mark-up on the uniforms in general.
A Last word: Precede with caution. Involve your stakeholders (parents) in
the final decisions on implementing a dress code. Spend a year "talking
it up" and giving it a positive spin.Also consider some perks for the
students, for instance, have one day each grading term when students can
wear their normal attire (Call it Fourth Friday, or something like that).On
that day, have some rewards in place, like a small party or a afternoon
on the playground with ice cream. Create a festive atmosphere on this day.
Sometimes, you need to play, even if its at school.
Good Luck!
=================================================
Philadelphia Daily News (PA)
April 27, 2000
SCHOOLS MIGHT TAKE A UNIFORM APPROACH
Kevin Haney,
Daily News Staff Writer
Clothes make the man, it's been said.
Now Philadelphia educators and politicians wonder if clothes can make the
kids behave. Prodded by Mayor Street's belief that school uniforms make
schools safer, the Board of Education is hurriedly weaving what will become
the School District's first citywide uniform policy.
The board is set to vote May 8, allowing just enough time to get word to
parents before schools close June 14. In a special hearing this afternoon,
City Council is sizing up the uniform issue itself, with at least 10 witnesses
expected to testify.
The district already has a dress code, which basically limits how much bare
skin a student can show.
But Street, responding to community interest at nearly two dozen school
meetings this year, has ordered the board to consider mandating uniforms
to improve discipline.
Street, relaying his views through a spokeswoman yesterday, described himself
as "an enthusiastic supporter of school uniforms and would love to
see all school children wear school uniforms."
"One of the reasons is that it seems to have a positive impact on the
climate in the schools and how children behave," Street spokeswoman
Barbara Grant said.
While Street shares that perception with a wide range of adults, including
many educators, there's no real proof they make any difference.
Marc Posner, a researcher in the field of school safety, said there's no
clear evidence that uniforms create safer schools.
The problem is that schools which mandate uniforms typically make other
changes, said Posner, who is with the Education Development Center, an international
think tank in Massachusetts. "It's impossible to tease out the effects
of the school uniforms from these other reforms," he said.
At Cramp elementary in West Kensington, principal Adrienne Carpenter doesn't
have any data to prove uniforms make a difference.
But she has enough first-hand observation and anecdotal evidence to be convinced.
Carpenter heads a school with some 900 children in kindergarten through
fifth grade.
The school added uniforms this year, at the suggestion of parents who asked
her last spring.
Nearly 90 percent of the parents voted for the uniforms, and more than 90
percent of the students were wearing them during a survey earlier this month.
Most of the school's families are Latino - first-generation families from
Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
They're accustomed to children wearing uniforms in their native lands, and
they wanted to continue that here, said Carmen Leon, president of Cramp's
home and school association.
Carpenter has used the uniforms to build a bigger identity for the school.
The basic colors are white for shirts and blue for pants, skirts or jumpers.
Shoes are black.
The punctuation is a bright red tie, known as "the power tie."
Carpenter recited the mantra she repeats to her students frequently: "The
power to read, the power to succeed, the power to achieve. You've got the
power."
The power-tie uniforms and the mantra have made believers of the second-graders
in Donna Zaccaria's class.
"They make you smart," boasted Elvira Morales.
"It helps me to read and think," said Lourdelis Esparra.
Having everyone in the same apparel ends the temptation for the youngsters
to eyeball each other's clothing, Zaccaria said.
"They don't worry about who's wearing the expensive clothes,"
said Zaccaria, who wears her own uniform each day.
About 10 of the school's 25 teachers wear the school colors daily, Carpenter
said.
Even the school janitor wears the T-shirt that's part of the gym uniform,
she said.
The uniforms have impressed those outside the school, as well. Carpenter
and Zaccaria told of a firefighter, a speaker at an assembly, and a bus
driver who remarked on how smartly dressed the kids appeared.
Appearance is what uniforms have going for them.
Posner said a 1994 scientific study of school uniforms found that educators
and students alike thought more highly of students wearing uniforms.
A study by one sociologist of uniforms in general found that outsiders also
perceived people wearing uniforms to be more professional and disciplined.
The School District held up as the poster institution for uniform success
is in Long Beach, Calif. That district mandated uniforms for some 67,000
students through the eighth grade in 1995.
Five years later, the district reported overall crime and suspensions both
down by 90 percent, with vandalism down 69 percent.
But Posner said the district made other changes simultaneously, hiring a
dynamic superintendent and appointing a corps of activist principals who
reformed school curriculum.
The district also mounted a sustained campaign to get parents more involved
in their kids' learning, Posner said.
Statistics from other school districts is mixed.
Support for uniforms here isn't uniform.
Jason Kleinman, the school board's advisory student member, believes uniforms
would run into a barrier.
"One thing I know we couldn't do is suddenly ask high school students
to suddenly start to wear uniforms. We would meet maximum resistance on
that," he said.
A spokesman for Philadelphia Student Union said its 90 students at five
district high schools see uniforms as oppression, on top of the district's
adding metal detectors and about 100 more police officers this year.
Gail Greenman, president of the Central High School home and school association,
said her group opposed mandatory uniforms, especially in high schools.
"At that age, they need to express themselves in certain ways, and
dress is a big portion of that," she said.
Another Central parent told the school board Monday at its regular meeting
that imposing uniforms would betray baby boomer parents who fought against
conformity in their youth.
None of Philadelphia's 34 high schools have uniforms.
Among over 200 other schools, 24 have uniform programs this year.
Four others had uniforms in recent years, but their programs fell into tatters.
Philadelphia is the only big-metropolis district this year where a majority
of students aren't wearing uniforms.
New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami-Dade County, Boston
and Washington, D.C., now have uniform policies.
At Cramp, folks are undaunted.
Leon's goal is to see everybody in uniform come September.
And Carpenter has one bit of advice for the school board as it sews a uniform
pattern.
"It should be affordable," she suggested.
Send e-mail to haneyk@phillynews.com
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The Philadelphia schools instituted the uniform policy in
Fall 2000.]