School Uniform Debate- Pro

Topic: School Uniforms
PRO

Source: http://712educators.about.com/cs/schoolviolence/a/uniforms.htm

Every school is in essence a learning environment. That which aids learning is acceptable, and that which hinders it should be unacceptable. Add to this the fears of school violence and student safety and you can see why many school boards are calling for school uniforms. In this article we will look at school uniforms and the potential benefits and problems associated with school uniforms along with legal issues and whether they are in fact truly effective.
School Uniforms Defined
School uniforms range from the formal to the informal. Some schools that have implemented school uniforms have chosen what one usually thinks of in connection to Catholic schools: nice pants and white shirts for boys, jumpers and white shirts for girls. However, most public schools are turning to something more casual and more acceptable to parents and students: khakis or jeans and knit shirts of varying colors. The latter appear to be more affordable too because they can be used outside of school. Many school districts that have implemented school uniforms have provided some sort of financial assistance for families that can not afford the extra expense.
Potential Benefits of School Uniforms •Preventing gang colors, etc. in schools
•Decreasing violence and theft because of clothing and shoes
•Instilling discipline among students
•Reducing need for administrators and teachers to be 'clothes police' (for example, determining whether shorts are too short, etc.)
•Reducing distractions for students
•Instilling a sense of community
•Helping schools recognize those who do not belong on campus

Source: http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:School_Uniform_(JUNIOR)

The question of whether children should wear a uniform to school always makes for a lively debate, and not only among students! In some countries school uniform is normal and most schools make their students wear one.
Britain is the most obvious example of this, but in many other countries with strong links to Britain uniform often has to be worn to school - examples include Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and many other African countries. Uniform is also required at almost all schools in Japan. In other countries, particularly in continental Europe, the USA and Canada, uniform is very rare in state-funded schools, although private schools may have one. Debates about school uniform have been going on for decades in different countries and districts, but during the 1990s state schools in the USA began to adopt uniforms. At first uniform rules were seen as a way of stopping children dressing in gang colours in troubled urban areas. Later, claims that introducing uniform leads to better discipline and educational results encouraged other school districts and schools to make a change. Both the Clinton and Bush administrations have been in favour of school uniforms. Other countries have picked up on this trend - for example, there has been talk of making German children wear uniforms. This topic looks at a very large number of arguments about uniforms. Not all of these will apply in every country or school, so take care only to select the ones that are relevant for your debate. The proposition (affirmative or government) side here is arguing for uniforms to be scrapped, but the case could easily be reversed if your debate is about introducing uniforms instead.
Source: http://www.education.com/debate/school-uniforms/

Expert opinion by
Rita White
Principal of Riverwood Elementary
Memphis, TN

I have worked in public schools prior to and after the implementation of school uniforms. I believe school uniforms are one of the best policy changes Memphis City Schools has ever made. I worked in an urban school with a very high poverty level. I had many incidents of arguments or fights because someone was making fun of their clothing. More times than not children came to school with the same clothes on several days in a row. All too often parents were not using good judgement regarding what was appropriate school attire for their children.

Once the uniform policy was in place students began taking more pride in their appearance. It no longer mattered if they were wearing the same clothes because they all looked alike. I had very few incidents of fights or arguments over clothing. Student behavior dramatically improved. When you look more professional you act more professional. Uniforms have made a huge positive impact in our schools.

Expert opinion by
Tom Houlihan
Autor, educational consultant, and former superintendent of schools.
Oxford, North Carolina

I too have worked in the public schools and have seen one fad after another recommended for our students. Charters, vouchers, small schools, personalization-- the list is endless over the past 20+ years--and now school uniforms to save our children, improve discipline, and reduce drop-outs. It is not that school uniforms are a bad thing, it’s just that these random acts of improvement are a distraction from focusing on systematic and fundamental transformation to improve our schools.

If the idea of school uniforms was a part of an overall strategy to transform schools, it might make partial sense. But right now school uniforms are nothing more than a distraction, and I believe the concepts hurts us more than helps.

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/opinions-is-school-uniform-a-good-thing-1465585.html

RAY HONEYFORD, former headmaster: It's a splendid idea. Absolutely essential. Uniform gives a sense of loyalty and identity. It identifies children outside school too. People would say, 'We saw one of yours misbehaving last night,' and we could identify them. Girls tend to compete about clothes when they wear their own.

HUFFTY, presenter of The Word: I wore a school uniform (I liked wearing the tie - it was excellent - but the skirt was poncy and had no pockets) and I bunked off all the time. It was by the beach in Newcastle, I used to play in the arcades or play pool. I don't think uniforms will make any difference to truancy, no one used to ask me why I wasn't at school. If they had I would have told them I was going to the doctor's. JON CALLARD, England rugby player and PE master, Downside School: It's a good thing, but the Government should look at greater priorities, like spending and recruitment, before they say school uniform is going to put everything right. The boys here wear blazers and pinstripes, and seem to like it. What they dislike is not being able to wear their baseball caps with it. BEN THE BOFFIN, 13, computer games expert on The Big Breakfast: It takes away individuality from pupils. They say they do it so children appear equal, but why hide it if a child is poor anyway? KAREN KRIZANOVICH, agony aunt, Sky magazine: Dress codes always used to drive me nuts but I think wearing a uniform can give a child a sense of self-respect and belonging. At school in the US, a uniform might have helped me feel less of an outsider. I like the idea of a classless society starting early, but unfortunately, life just ain't like that. BOB HOLNESS, Blockbusters quizmaster: Seldom do you get children in uniform on Blockbusters, but those who do wear it, though they are somewhat embarrassed, seem to have more pride in their school. MARK HOBBINS, graphic designer: The premise behind school uniforms is that you can't tell rich children from poor, but it doesn't work. The details are still there - the shoes, the bags, the kind of trousers - that give it away. My own school uniform was pink and grey - but at least I didn't have to wear green knickers.