Are School Uniforms a Good Way to Improve Student Discipline and Essay

Are School Uniforms a Good Way to Improve Student Discipline and Motivation - Essay Example The proponents of school uniforms have clearly stated why these uniforms should be worn. Endersby (2009) discusses several of the key points. School uniforms promote a sense of school pride as well as all around school ethics. Uniforms can act as a social leveler, making students feel more equal to each other because they are all wearing the same clothing. School uniforms will typically make a student more recognizable outside of school. Proponents claim this will encourage the student to act more appropriately as they are representing the school. Workplaces often have a dress code and students who already wear school uniforms will be more prepared to carry it on into a work environment. A strict dress code or school uniform will keep students focused and make sure they are appropriately dressed while at school. Endersby (2009) also discussed the cons of having school uniforms. The main concern seems to be that the uniforms take away from the student’s individualism and freedo m of expression. This seems to promote a much more teacher centered philosophy, rather than a student centered one. Many schools still maintain high academic standards without instituting a school uniform policy. It has been pointed out by proponents that school uniforms would be more cost effective. However, some parents have felt the uniforms are just as expensive, if not more expensive than normal clothes. Opponents also say bullying in school will still occur regardless of school uniforms. Children will always find ways to judge each other. In fact, the uniforms could cause fights in situations of rival schools. If a group of children from one school spots the uniforms on the children of their rival school a fight may break out between the two groups. This would not necessarily occur if the children were wearing non-identifiable clothing. As for the workplace, there has been no evidence to suggest that students who haven’t worn school uniforms will struggle with a dress c ode once they begin working. Finally, Opponents feel school uniforms can sometimes be inappropriate during the various seasons throughout the year. The clothing is either too cold in winter or too warm in summer. One of the biggest complaints is requiring girls to wear skirts in the winter time, especially in colder climates. Does it make sense to endanger a child just to make sure the children are all wearing the same thing? Motsinger (2007) found that parents against school uniforms felt very strongly about their opinions. The parents were protesting, feeling that their child’s rights had been violated. The parents also felt the government was interfering with them raising their children the way they wanted to. The parents wanted to know what happened to their right to a free public education. No large scale studies could be found to prove what the proponents of school uniforms are claiming. Their main source of research has derived from anecdotes of parents, and school off icials. Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998) conducted a longitudinal study to find out what effect school uniforms were having regarding attendance, behavior problems, substance use and academic achievement. Around this time, Long Beach Unified School District was gaining national attention for their claims that after instituting a school uniform policy their school had improved on all aspects. From the claims school officials made it seemed the school uniform itself was solely responsible for changing the school for the better. Brunsma