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Katie Fabian 1 Katie Fabian 3A VTfT II 4.4.

14 Research Paper

Many schools do not require students to wear uniforms; however uniforms are the solution to schools lack of unity. Uniforms- the distinctive clothing worn by members of the same organization or body or by children attending certain schools"(Google). When you think of uniforms what comes to mind? Plaid? Ew! Or Im never going to wear that! I believe wearing uniforms can be the key to forming student unity within the school and reduce bullying. "Jose Huizar, former president of the LAUSD's Board of Education, proposed a harbinger for great order, focus, and higher achievement in the classrooms across the district"(Hayden). Data collected for over a decade in a half for a 2005 doctoral study examined the introduction of uniforms in Ohio schools with the results showing that there had been improvements in attendance, graduation and suspension rates (Toppo and Uniforms for Learning). 23% of all schools in the U.S. have uniforms, 19% of them are public schools"("Occupy Theory"). South Africa schools wear uniforms and Shumi Shongowe says it gives them a sense of community in school and a strong environment where learning can be the primary focus and there is nothing to be ashamed of" (Wise). When uniforms are required in a school it can increase self-esteem and students do not feel like they are performing in a fashion show among their peers (Bowen). Self-esteem is something that everyone struggles with and often involves what they wear, grades, looks and what peer group they do or do not belong to. I feel strongly that students shouldnt have to struggle or worry about what they are going to wear in the morning before heading out to school or be worried

Katie Fabian 2 whether they will be made fun of, looked at, called out, or be frowned upon, especially when there are so many more concerns they carry on their shoulders each day.

Having uniforms in a school system reduces the quick judgment of what your social economic status might be and puts everyone on the same level as peer groups are being formed. Instead of social economic class creating the peer groups simply by the way someone dresses, peer groups are formed by interactions and discovery of similar interests. There are many judgmental people in the world who judge people by their wealth status. Uniforms will definitely put all students on an even playing field as they enter into school and make friends and allow students to focus on schoolwork and make the classroom a more serious environment" (Bowen). Parents will be affected by uniforms too. They will save time and money by not shopping for hours on end to look for the newest and coolest school attire and instead buy three sets of uniforms for what it would cost for one pair of designer jeans (Bowen).

I personally think if schools enforced a uniform policy students would feel better about themselves and focus more on school and not what they are wearing . I know for a fact that when I dress more professionally on the day I student teach I focus and feel better about myself. My opinion is supported by a study in "Long Beach, California metro area there was a decrease in school crime by 36%, sexual offenses dropped 47%, and fights between students dropped 51% after the policy of uniforms were in effect" (Hayden). Another two researchers from Nevada created a 49 question survey and administered it to 1,350 7th and 8th grade students during the first year of implementing a uniform policy. The results were shocking as 7th graders agreed with the statements about the benefits of wearing school uniforms after the first year it was

Katie Fabian 3 implemented. Latino students perceived more benefits from wearing uniforms than Caucasian students. The top rated responses of "agree" or "strongly agree" commented with "I still have my identity when I wear uniforms (54%), my family likes the uniforms (53%), I think uniforms save money (50%), I worry less about how others look (42%), and believe there is less gang activity at school (41%) (Wharton). This study clearly states that students don't mind wearing uniforms, as well as feel that they can keep their own identity and aren't afraid to show it. Families are generally in favor of the uniform policy and some students stated that it saves money, which is so true. I believe girls especially benefit from a uniform policy because I believe they worry more about what others think and feel judged more on how they look than boys do.

Based on the research it is clear that a uniform policy in schools will benefit students, faculty, and community. Uniforms are the way to go! Bullying, harassment, self-esteem, and absenteeism will all be reduced and there will be an increased positive learning environment for all. Having an uniform policy will also make our schools safer. Principals and administration would be able to easily identify intruders or visitors in the building (Wilde). I also believe that teachers should also have a uniform or dress code requirement in order to keep a professional image and be a strong role model for the students. Overall uniforms is one of the easiest ways to begin building student unity and a positive school environment that will reduce common student issues such as bullying, self-esteem issues, gang violence and harassment, as well as save families money and time.

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Works Cited Bowen, Sherry. "EduGuide." Should Kids Wear School Uniforms? -. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2014. <http://www.eduguide.org/article/should-kids-wear-school-uniforms>. "Google." Google. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <https://www.google.com/#q=uniforms+definition>. Hayden, Erik. "School Uniforms & Academic Performance." Pacific Standard No Uniform Solution Comments. N.p., 23 Nov. 2009. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. <http://www.psmag.com/navigation/books-and-culture/no-uniform-solution-5609/>. "Pros and Cons of School Uniforms Statistics." OccupyTheory Pros and Cons of School Uniforms Statistics Comments. N.p., 4 Jan. 2014. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <http://occupytheory.org/pros-and-cons-of-school-uniforms-statistics/>. Toppo, Greg. "What to wear? Schools increasingly making that decision." USA Today. Gannett, 18 Aug. 2013. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. <http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/18/more-schooluniforms/2662387/>. "Uniforms for learning." Articles. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. <http://thelearningcurve.pearson.com/articles/article/uniforms-for-learning>. Wharton, Claudene . "News." School Uniform Study: University of Nevada, Reno. N.p., 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. <http://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2013/schooluniform-study>. Wilde, Marian . "Do uniforms make schools better?." GreatSchools. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2014. <http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-schooluniforms.gs>.

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"WISE - World Innovation Summit for Education." School Uniforms. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <http://www.wise-qatar.org/content/school-uniforms>.

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