Term Paper on "Looking at a Social Problem From Both Sides School Uniform"

Term Paper 4 pages (1441 words) Sources: 8 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

social problem from both sides: School Uniform

School Uniform

Looking at a social problem from both sides

The practice of requiring students to wear uniforms at public schools has become more common in recent years. A quarter or more of the nation's public elementary schools, and 10 to 15% of middle and high schools, now require uniforms, nearly double the percentage from 2000 (Weiss, 2006). An admittedly small study of public high schools in Ohio found that schools that required uniforms generally had lower suspension rates, higher graduation rates and fewer discipline issues (Weiss, 2006). In the wake of 9/11, many school districts wished to instate uniforms for the practical purpose of differentiating between students and 'outsiders,' as well as to reduce school violence in general (Kelly, 2006). Even before 9/11, no less of an authority than Bill Clinton advocated low-cost school uniforms as a way of fostering greater discipline in the public schools (Bennett, 1998).

But just as quickly as the trend has escalated, it seems to be dropping off. "In California alone, where the trend took off, at least 50 schools have abandoned uniforms in the last two years. In and around Salt Lake City, 16 of the 40 schools that once required uniforms have dropped them. School officials report defections in Florida, Kansas and New Hampshire" (Zerinke, 2002). There is also the issue of student rights, as the courts have ruled that so long as student's clothing is not disruptive, their expression cannot be curtailed (Applebome, 2007). Some schools have tried to make uniforms voluntary, but with mixed success, given that this creates a divide between students who opt in or out of the uniform policy (Lewin, 1997).

Pro: School Uniforms

What will I wear today? What will I learn today? In a school without school uniforms, students are more likely to ask the first question of themselves, rather than the latter. By allowing students to focus on learning rather than appearance, school uniforms perform a vital educational function. Required uniforms reduce competition based upon appearance and income, enabling less physically developed or attractive students to distinguish themselves upon their academics rather than beauty or flashy clothing. In one district that mandated uniforms, the superintendant explained: "I don't want haves and have-nots...I want kids to come to school and just be here for academic success, and I want teachers to be able to teach' without dealing with the distractions that clothing can create...Because we're here for teaching and learning" (Weiss, 2006).

Uniforms also can help make schools safer, in districts where gang violence is a problem. Schools can select uniforms that make it difficult to carry concealed weapons, or display gang affiliations. Having students wear uniforms may also work against unconscious teacher biases against oddly-dressed students, or students from poorer backgrounds. The uniforms may thus guard against educator's prejudices which could result in more consistent and higher expectations for students (Weiss, 2006).

Students often have jobs in which they must wear uniforms, and they willingly do so to achieve a financial profit -- why not an educational profit? They participate in extracurricular activities where they are required to wear uniforms. Many students will have to adhere to professional dress codes when they mature, and uniforms are no different. Finally, for parents who are increasingly strapped for dollars and time, they are a "time and energy savings for parents" (Weiss, 2006). On a more holistic level, uniform policies may indirectly affect school environments and student outcomes by providing a visible and public symbol of commitment to school improvement and reform (Weiss, 2006).

Con:

In theory, it might seem like school uniforms provide a more focused academic environment. One 1998 study used empirical data to assess the claims made by advocates of uniform. The findings indicated that student uniforms had no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems, or attendance. Contrary to common wisdom, the authors found a negative effect of uniforms on student academic achievement, even when controlled for socio-economic variables (Brunsma & Rockquemore, 1998, cited by Weiss 2006). The study, originally published in 1998, concluded that 10th-grade public school students who wore uniforms did no better than those who did not in attendance, behavior or drug use (Weiss, 2006).

School uniforms also deprive students of a vital form of self-expression. It is demeaning to suggest… READ MORE

How to Reference "Looking at a Social Problem From Both Sides School Uniform" Term Paper in a Bibliography

Related Term Papers:

Looking at a Social Problem From Both Sides School Uniform Term Paper

School uniforms were once the trademarks of private and parochial schools. Nevertheless, the number of public schools that have either adopted or are considering imposing uniforms has been increasing steadily… read more

Term Paper 4 pages (1333 words) Sources: 0 Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning

---

Requiring School Uniforms Is a Violation of the First Amendment Thesis

School Uniforms

The legal debate over school uniforms hinges on First Amendment rights guaranteeing freedom of expression. Clothing is a form of personal expression and often includes emblems of cultural… read more

Thesis 6 pages (1955 words) Sources: 6 Style: APA Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning

---

Obesity Is Becoming a Huge Problem Essay

Obesity is becoming a huge problem in our society. In the past, a number of studies have been conducted in an attempt to determine the exact causes of obesity. Although… read more

Essay 5 pages (1579 words) Sources: 5 Topic: Nutrition / Diet / Eating

---

Is the Decline of the Traditional Family a National Crisis? Term Paper

Decline of Traditional Family

The decline of the traditional family structure and concomitant values has been the subject of many worried religious and social documents. These documents quote high divorce… read more

Term Paper 5 pages (1812 words) Sources: 6 Style: APA Topic: Family / Dating / Marriage

---

H 1b Shortage Research Proposal

H-1B Shortage

In today's society, knowledge and expertise are raw materials that are essential for companies and countries so that they can be more competitive. The economy is dependent on… read more

Research Proposal 35 pages (10207 words) Sources: 30 Style: Chicago Topic: Family / Dating / Marriage

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>