Some interesting studies:
An Examination of the Effect of School Uniforms
on Student Achievement and Behavior
Having students wear uniforms has become a hot issue in many communities across the nation (Loesch, 1995). The issue of implementing a school uniform policy has both strong supporters and opposition. Those in favor of uniforms claim there are many advantages to instituting them: improved scholastic performance, student security, student discipline, and school morale (Caruso, 1996). Those who object to this idea claim that such a policy violates the First Amendment and that educators and schools will not see the dramatic effects its advocates claim (Caruso, 1996). Should school uniforms be required in order to better student achievement and behavior?
School uniforms seem to be making a difference in the public schools all over the country. One example would be the Long Beach Unified School District where students are required to wear uniforms. According to district teachers, the uniforms have constructed a better classroom/learning setting by curbing gang tension and the polarization associated with name brand clothing (Caruso, 1996). Research by Behling (1994) indicates that clothing can create a "halo effect," whereby a student in uniform is seen as better behaved, a high academic achiever, and someone with academic potential, particularly when they wear a "dress uniform," i.e., pants or skirt with a blazer.
A California school has found a successful formula for making uniforms into symbols of school pride (Loesch, 1995). School uniforms will level the playing field in classrooms by removing the messages of social and economic status carried in apparel (Dressed for Survival, 1994). However, uniforms tailored to individual schools may increase in value a school's sense of community and students' self-esteem (Dressed for Survival, 1994). School uniforms aim to improve school climate and reflect a sense of pride and affiliation.
Among the public school systems with a required uniform policy can document success by the 83,000 - student Long Beach District in California (Elam and Rose, 1996). This study by Elam and Rose (1996) report that assault and battery cases in grades K - 8 dropped 34% in two years, physical fights dropped 51%, and suspensions dropped 32%. Behling (1994) states that it is evident that school uniforms, or a uniform style of dress positively influence the perception of school - related behavior by both peers and teachers.
Clothing influences the way students see themselves (Caruso, 1996). Student benefits include enhanced self-image, improved academic indicator ratings, and increased participation (Hoffler--Riddick and Lassiter, 1996). A study by Hoffler--Riddick and Lassiter (1996) shows school benefits which include a dramatic decrease in discipline infractions, improved attendance, and an improvement in the overall instructional climate.
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