A Uniform Look
Title: A Uniform Look
Authors: Yasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein
Source: American School Board Journal, Aug. 2006, Vol. 193, No. 8, pp. 24-27
Document Type: Journal Article
Database: SIRS
.A Uniform Look
When students dress alike, proponents say, the school climate may be improved
By Yasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein
Since the 1990s, the practice of having public school students wear uniforms--like their private school peers--has been credited with some amazing results. School uniforms, proponents have said, can lead to improved discipline and classroom behavior, increased school attendance, respect for teachers, better school performance, higher student self-esteem and confidence, lower clothing costs, promotion of group spirit, reduction in social stratification, and lower rates of violence and crime. Uniforms, in short, seem like the solution to all of education 's problems.
Of course, there have also been naysayers. They argue that requiring school uniforms violates students ' rights, that uniforms are not responsible for decreased violence, that students will find other ways to compete, and that uniforms have no direct bearing on academic achievement.
Which side is correct? Like so many other educational issues, the truth probably lies somewhere between the two extremes. For answers, we can look to the research on and articles about school uniforms, particularly in the areas of violence prevention, school climate, and finances.
Early Signs of Success
Schools have always had dress codes, of course. But in 1986, Baltimore 's Cherry Hill Elementary School became the first U.S. public school to adopt a school uniform policy. The policy was an attempt to reduce clothing costs for parents and to help curb social pressures. According to a 1996 issue of Communicator, a newsletter published by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Cherry Hill Principal Geraldine Smallwood reported increased attendance, reduced
Authors: Yasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein
Source: American School Board Journal, Aug. 2006, Vol. 193, No. 8, pp. 24-27
Document Type: Journal Article
Database: SIRS
.A Uniform Look
When students dress alike, proponents say, the school climate may be improved
By Yasmine L. Konheim-Kalkstein
Since the 1990s, the practice of having public school students wear uniforms--like their private school peers--has been credited with some amazing results. School uniforms, proponents have said, can lead to improved discipline and classroom behavior, increased school attendance, respect for teachers, better school performance, higher student self-esteem and confidence, lower clothing costs, promotion of group spirit, reduction in social stratification, and lower rates of violence and crime. Uniforms, in short, seem like the solution to all of education 's problems.
Of course, there have also been naysayers. They argue that requiring school uniforms violates students ' rights, that uniforms are not responsible for decreased violence, that students will find other ways to compete, and that uniforms have no direct bearing on academic achievement.
Which side is correct? Like so many other educational issues, the truth probably lies somewhere between the two extremes. For answers, we can look to the research on and articles about school uniforms, particularly in the areas of violence prevention, school climate, and finances.
Early Signs of Success
Schools have always had dress codes, of course. But in 1986, Baltimore 's Cherry Hill Elementary School became the first U.S. public school to adopt a school uniform policy. The policy was an attempt to reduce clothing costs for parents and to help curb social pressures. According to a 1996 issue of Communicator, a newsletter published by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Cherry Hill Principal Geraldine Smallwood reported increased attendance, reduced