With the new school year close upon us, one of the things I'm seeing on the news is a discussion of school uniforms. At one time, only military schools, and parochial schools were likely to require uniforms, but there is a growing trend in the United States for public school students to wear uniforms. As of 2002, the most students in uniform reside in California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois.
According to "Promowear," March/April 2002, the top 10 cities with the most students in uniform are: Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA, New York, Houston,
Philadelphia, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, Washington, DC, New Orleans, Detroit,
Jacksonville, FL, and Atlanta.
AOL ran a poll asking: “Do School Uniforms Help?” 76% of those responding said “Yes, they help kids focus on learning,” 22% said “No, they suppress individuality,” and three percent were undecided.
As a former teacher, I can tell you that when students dress up in school, they behave better, and when they behave better, it's possible to create an environment more conducive to learning. I suspect that uniforms might create that same environment.
It has been suggested that it is a hardship for some families to foot the cost of uniforms, but school uniforms are actually less expensive. The average uniform runs $25-40 per outfit. It's customary for uniforms in good shape to be used as "hand me downs," or traded in a school-wide swap. Parents actually spend less on clothing during the course of the year since they only have to provide a minimum of two outfits for school, and non-school clothing gets less wear.
Some people object to the lack of individuality in a uniform, but it is possible to give each level of students a little more latitude in accessorizing. The first four years the uniform might be standard, with a change in vest one year, style or color of socks in other years, allowing some personalization. Students can still make personal choices when choosing after-school clothing.
One of the advantages of uniforms is the prevention of gang colors or signs. It follows that it might also make a school safer by limiting gang violence. Uniforms definitely minimize the economic differences. While that issue is never going to be totally eliminated, the uniforms take the pressure off children who are very clothing conscious.
It's a bit of a reach, but it's been suggested that school attendance is improved by requiring uniforms, because the students don't have the age-old problem of “I don’t have anything to wear!”
Personally, I think they are a great idea! I'd like to see uniforms become the norm. It's time to reclaim the classrooms, and this is one way to start.
Comments (6)
...children face too much pressure all the time...school adds extra pressure..in an ideal world children would want to go to school, would love to learn - children are inquisitive (all humans are) and want to suceed (don't we all)..but success can be measured in different ways..peer pressure is a *huge* worry to children...and labels and logos add to that pressure...a uniform is a leveler..they are used extensively in english schools - simple uniforms of a sweatshirt, trousers, shirt, shoes bought at asda (wall-mart)...and it means that ther is less pressure on teachers to make first impressions..I'll support teachers until the day I die, but there is a tendency to make first impressions and if you take away the clothes kids wear it means the teacher can work on something else...I am a great supporter of a uniform...it also helps to make pupils proud of the 'school-colours' and I have found that pupils will take pride in their uniform when they visit other schools...and I do go on a bit don't I :^)...
Posted by billy | August 17, 2003 1:33 PM
Posted on August 17, 2003 13:33
Don't worry about "going on a bit." I enjoyed what you had to say. I thought that uniforms might be common in England, but I didn't have any first hand information to share.
Posted by Buffy | August 17, 2003 2:21 PM
Posted on August 17, 2003 14:21
I went through all my high school years and the two years of sixth form in a uniform. I'm no worse off for it today. Uniforms are common here as our educational system is very British in origin. Remember, we were a colony of England.
Posted by Dr. D. | August 17, 2003 4:21 PM
Posted on August 17, 2003 16:21
i think school uniforms are a good idea and the should be put in all schools. One because it stops popularity contests parents save money and everybody looks the same.
Lewistown High School Illinois Fulton County
my school does not have school uniforms and they need them.
Posted by Jessica Landgrbe | August 30, 2004 11:59 AM
Posted on August 30, 2004 11:59
I think School Uniforms should be in the school at lewistown high school in IL. i would like them to make it a rule. thank you
Student At Lewistown High School
Sondra Flahrty
Posted by Sondra Flaharty | August 30, 2004 12:03 PM
Posted on August 30, 2004 12:03
I think scool uniforms are a great thing to have in the school.
Posted by Sharon | September 10, 2004 11:42 AM
Posted on September 10, 2004 11:42