There is much controversy over whether or not schools should implement the use of uniforms. This PowerPoint presentation is going to discuss the different pros and cons of the use of school uniforms.
There are four important aspects of enforcing uniforms. They are student equality, ease of getting ready, cost cuts and school safety. Student equality: Students will no long have to worry what designer clothes other students are wearing, because everyone will be in the same outfits. It will allow for an equal playing field for all students and for no one to feel singled out because they don’t have the latest and greatest clothes to wear. Ease of getting ready: Students will have an easier time getting ready in the morning because they won’t have to worry about picking out an outfit. More time in the morning means they may have more time to get in a health breakfast and get to school on time, with no hassle. Cost cuts: Parents will no longer have to spend as much money on back to school clothes, because they will already have the wardrobe picked out. Granted the uniforms still cost money, but not as much as some designer clothes can. School safety: With the use of uniforms gang associated clothes will not be allowed to be worn, weapons will not be as easily brought in to schools, students will be easily identified, and revealing clothes will not be permitted.
While some students may very the uniforms to be “boring,” there are actually a lot of different options available. Once you click on the website provided you can view what just one popular supplier has to offer. Most of the clothing options are fairly affordable and provide different options for different style taste.
The topic of whether or not school uniforms should be implemented has even gone as high as the White House. Former President Bill Clinton expressed his agreement with school uniforms in this quote. It’s important to focus on his main agreement for them, that they may increase self awareness and promote more personal positive images for students. School uniforms may help take the focus off of what everyone else is doing and allow for the student to focus on themselves and their school work.
When Long Beach first decided to implement the use of uniforms, with in the first year they say vast improvements in student behavior and safety. It may be difficult to get students to get use to the wear of uniforms but the Pittsburg Unified School District Assistant Superintendent was quoted saying, “ Follow-through was vital. Now, no one is looking at shirts with graffiti or wondering if what [students] are wearing is affiliated with a gang or worrying about someone’s designer sweatshirt.” Schools all across the U.S.A have seen the positive side effects of the use of uniforms.
In an interview done with a school Principle, he said that he noticed a great improvement in his students. “ Even their conversations coming into school in the morning changed.” With the tidy look a school uniform students will be more professional looking and that look may also reflect into how one presents themselves in all aspects of the individual. With uniforms your child won’t have to worry if someone is looking at their shoe brand or if their jeans are in style. They can simply focus on their education and know that they are equally valued in the school.
Parent’s can be more relaxed if students are to go on a school field trip, with the use of school uniforms it is easy to spot children while out of the school setting. Allowing for teachers and supervisors to keep track of the students easier while out in public places With the professional look of the uniforms students will begin to develop a professional look that is associated with hard work. Therefore once able to get a job, they can carry these professional skills over to the work place. Not only with older students, but with younger (1st or 2nd grade) there is also a focus on the SES. With the use of uniforms the status of each individual is hidden behind the uniform, that way no one feels the pressure while at school.
It is up to schools individually to use or not use school uniforms. There have been many court cases over the implementation of uniforms, arguing that they will inflect on student’s free rights. Depending on the case, the courts decide on whether or not the use of school uniforms is not being properly used.
Some say that uniforms do nothing but hold children back from expressing themselves, there are many people out there that are against the use. Because of this some schools actually allow for the choice to participate in the use of uniforms. Because it is so controversial there have yet to be a universal code for all schools in the U.S.A.
Implementing School Uniforms <br />By: Kimberly Van Allen <br />EDU 290 <br />
What a uniform looks like: <br />The typical school uniform is very basic and designed in a conservative manner. <br />There are many different options to provide variety, click here to see a popular supplier. <br />http://akindway.com/images/school-uniform2.gif<br />
Voices of Approval <br />“ If it means that the school rooms will be more orderly and more disciplined, and that our young people will learn to evaluate themselves by what they are on the inside, instead of what they’re wearing on the outside, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear uniforms.” - Bill Clinton, 1996 (PBS)<br />http://www.independent.ie– photo <br />
First use of School Uniforms<br />1994: Long Beach California<br />Became first school to require uniforms<br />Mugging went down 50% <br />Sexual offenses down 74% <br />Information from PBS, School Uniforms <br />http://www.kidsklosetuniforms.net/- photo<br />
What Wearing a School Uniform Could do for Your Children<br />A more professional look and attitude towards school <br />Less social peer pressure <br />Greater academic accomplishments <br />
Uniforms In Schools <br />Class field trips <br />Carry over of job skills <br />Focus off of Socioeconomic Status <br />
Where The Issue Stands Today<br />In Michigan there is no law that enforces school uniforms <br />For all schools in the United States, it is up the school district to decide whether or not to enforce the use of uniforms <br />
Where The Issue Stands Today<br />The Great Debate<br />There is still a huge debate on whether or not school uniforms do anything to benefit <br />Many still believe school uniforms actually distract students <br />Meanwhile, others stand strong for them <br />
Final Thoughts <br />Uniforms may seem boring and dry, but if they are going to help improve the learning environment for students and teachers, they are a very reasonable choice. <br />After all, we all want what is best for our children and students, so why not implement the use of uniforms and provide that for them? <br />http://www.askmen.com/daily/blogs/lifestyle/enforce-school-uniforms.html<br />
Citations <br />Information: <br />Boutelle, M. (2007). California Schools Magazine. Retrieved 09 29, 2009, from CSBA: http://www.csba.org/NewsAndMedia/Publications/CASchoolsMagazine/2007/Fall/InThisIssue/Unifo rmsAreTheyAGoodFit.aspx<br /> Hudson JR, D. (2009, September 17). Retrieved October 26, 2009, from First Amendment Center : http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org<br /> Pate-Shamburger, S. (1999). The Influence of a Mandatory School Uniform Policy. 1 -13.<br /> PBS . (1999). Retrieved 09 29, 2009, from News Hour School Uniforms: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/infocus/fashion/schools.html<br /> <br />Pictures: <br />Slide 3: Taken from http://akindway.com/images/school-uniform2.gif<br />Slide 4: Taken from http://akindway.com/images/school-uniform2.gif<br /> Slide 5: Taken from http://www.kidsklosetuniforms.net/<br />Slide 10: Taken from http://www.askmen.com/daily/blogs/lifestyle/enforce-school-uniforms.html<br />