Why Should Students Wear Uniforms?

In the past, only students at parochial or other private schools wore uniforms. However, more public schools in districts across the country have made them mandatory. There are many compelling reasons to keep this policy in place.

1. Policy Origins

   • Long Beach, California's Unified School District began testing a mandatory uniform policy during the 1993-1994 school year. Students in 11 grade schools participated in the pilot program, following a scaled-down version three years before in the same district. Administrators were pleased with the results. After two years, they claimed a 70 percent decrease in crime in district schools. Officials continue to analyze the program's effectiveness.

   Safety

   • One major reason for Long Beach's implementation of the program was gang activity. Clothing colors often indicate membership in a specific gang, so eliminating that element could be one reason for the decline in school violence. Sexual assaults have also decreased in the district, which some attribute in part to the absence of provocative clothing in the classroom. Uniforms also mean that crimes related to status-symbol clothing are a thing of the past.

   Focus on Learning

   • When everyone wears the same clothes, students have one less distraction in the classroom. Students can focus more easily on the lesson, which means teachers can stay on track as well.

   Focus on the Person

   • When students wear uniforms, more energy is directed toward the internal and away from the external. Uniforms allow children to focus on classroom discussions, rather than what they and others are wearing. When they can no longer rely on clothing as an identifier, students might realize that they have more to offer than wearing the "right" clothes.

   Equality

   • While some children use clothing to boost their confidence, others' self-esteem suffers because they can't afford nice clothes. Uniforms remove this social barrier, putting everyone on equal ground. Uniforms help children whose parents can't afford, or simply don't want to buy, expensive clothes. Almost as importantly, uniforms de-emphasize clothing as a means of conformity.

   Economic Benefits

   • Although an initial output is required for the purchase of uniforms, the burden of buying multiple outfits for everyday school use is removed. Additionally, schools sometimes provide financial assistance to families who need it. Uniform recycling among students is another way families can save, especially because grade-school children can outgrow clothes quickly.

   Simplicity

   • Uniforms are easier for the student and the parent. No thought needs to be put into what will be worn the next day. Additionally, most uniforms are machine-washable, and often made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics such as polyester blends.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_5438649_should-students-wear-uniforms.html