Pro School Uniforms

For some years now, parents, local politicians, the school board, and about every high school student has been debating over something so small to the public but a major issue to the students. Well, all the controversy is about school uniforms and if high school students should be required to wear them. Because of their low cost, business casual appearance, and means of reducing distraction of the learning process, as a high school graduate, I feel school uniforms contribute positively to the learning environment.

Many educators do not believe in the positive outcomes of uniforms. They believe it is theory that uniforms will improve behavior and social outcomes because “in reality, they don’t”. (KIDS) One of their thought against uniforms is that uniforms teach children that in order to get along everyone must fit to the same standards. Dressing every student the same gives a false idea that everyone is at the same economic level. Instead, students should be able to notice the difference of social classes in their school, and be able to get along with anyone. Another idea is that uniforms interfere with students’ rights for self-expression and limits them to different knowledge. With uniforms, a student is not able to express what their personality and likes. Also, students who choose their own clothing each school day learn to adapt to shifting social standards and learn skills that will serve them well as adults.

“When they prepare for their first college visits, job interviews, internships or promotions, they will need to know how to make appropriate choices and uniforms do not facilitate this, according to a 2007 article published on the Fresno Pacific University website. After all, uniforms provide a cookie-cutter, conformist solution, while workplaces and social situations demand diverse standards, according to the Fresno Pacific University website. In addition, teens forge independence by living with the consequences of trial and error, according to the MassGeneral Hospital for Children website.” (Murdock)

These are all thoughts that can possibly be true. But there are many stronger ideas of why wearing school uniforms is a positive affect to our schools and students. So, who would not want to wear their regular clothes to school everyday and show off all the name brand stuff they have? The answer is simple, the less economically fortunate students in the public school system. Uniforms are inexpensive and convenient for parents as well as students. The basic uniform consists of a polo style shirt and slacks or a polo style shirt and a pleated skirt, which cost at the maximum about fifteen to twenty dollars. With this being said, the less economic fortunate families as well as the other families can easily afford them. This can make living conditions better for some of these students because their parents can save money. School uniforms can easily be found at local stores such as Target and Wal-Mart. Also, because of easy access to school uniforms, if your uniform is worn out or damaged, it can easily be replaced. Because students must wear uniforms, they are not pressured to wear expensive or trendy clothes to keep up with their peers. In addition, there is no longer an obvious difference between wealthier students and poorer students, because everyone dresses alike.

As parenting goes, it is evident parents want their kids to be active in today’s business world. School uniforms can help encourage this by the business casual appearance uniforms give. When everyone is dressed the same, a student automatically feels like he or she is involved in a group. Being part of a group creates actions like teamwork, having better leadership skills, or striving for success. Also, having students follow a daily dress code provides the students with preparation for the workforce, in which they will be expected to dress neatly or wear a specific uniform. Maintaining an aesthetic appearance is advantageous to the student for the several reasons. For example, it develops habits of neatness and cleanliness, it requires discipline, and it teaches them about the importance of their personal appearance.

Clothing can be an expression of personality, but it also can be a distraction in the classroom. Clothing with loud colors or flashy designs, are very “attention-getting” and can easy distract students and cause a barrier to being able to study. Many students face pressure, either implied or explicit, from their peers to "fit in" by wearing particular types of clothing. By making all students dress the same, students are relieved of this pressure, allowing them to better focus on their studies. Uniforms will stop other students by being judged on how they look. Also, uniforms will make it harder for cliques to form. With uniforms, no student will ever feel isolated and left out of the group. Lastly, school administrators will not have to face the complicated task of setting different dress codes. The problem of seeing girls in school wear inappropriate clothing for example, strapless, halter, and midriff tops and too-short skirts and shorts will not have to be dealt with. For guys, inappropriate symbols such as; slogans for alcohol and cigarettes and clothing with vulgar language or representing otherwise objectionable connections, that imply gang membership with also never be seen. It is much easier to have a uniform that specifies the appropriate style than to enforce independently chosen clothing.

In conclusion, school uniforms should be enforced in every school district. They provide positive outcomes for the school, students and parents. Uniforms are at a very lost cost; they look professional and keep students from being distracted from their studies. If uniforms are not enforced, many problems among students can be created which can even lead to violence.

Arguments about Uniforms http://www.angelfire.com/ca/bygranite/uniforms/args.html Education Bug. Public School Uniform Debate 2010

http://www.educationbug.org/a/public-school-uniform-debate.html

By Karen Murdock, eHow Contributor updated: September 23, 2010

EHowbenefits of Not Wearing School Uniforms

http://www.ehow.com/list_7219608_benefits-not-wearing-school-uniforms.html

Pros and Cons of School Uniforms
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