A discussion of how the implementation of school uniforms within a school system affects discipline and student achievement.
This paper focuses on the pros and cons of mandating school uniforms within a school system. Ideas such as school discipline, student behavior, and academic achievement are discussed, along with examples of why different schools have implemented student uniforms. Various viewpoints are presented, along with proponents’ and opponents’ concerns for the actual implementation of uniforms.
“The government development of the Manual of School Uniforms (1996) was based upon the achievements of “a few dozen public schools that had mandated school uniforms”. With the availability and backing of the United States Department of Education passing legislation, schools within twenty-five states have adopted a uniform dress code. For the most part this legislation gives authority to local boards to implement school uniform policies or to strengthen dress codes. So far, no state has mandated that all schools adopt uniforms. Washington state has a clause stating that students who participate in a nationally recognized youth organization must be allowed to wear the organization’s uniform on days that the organization has a scheduled activity. The law also stipulates that a district may not prohibit students from wearing clothing in observance of their religion.”