should public school students wear uniforms?

Question

I have been schooled at both public and private schools and I can tell you first hand that my grades were higher in private school (with uniforms) and I did concentrate more on my studies because I was not concerned at all in other students' clothing, obviously because they were all the same....Why can't the US educational system pass a law stating all children must wear uniforms. Our students will concentrate more on their studies rather than worrying about what other students are wearing and teasing ones who can't afford $100 for a pair of sneakers or $150 for a pair of jeans..I had 5 blue sweaters and 4 pair of pants all for under $100 for all 9 pieces and wore them for 3 years.

Answer 1

Being a former teacher in public schools, I have seen the problems with the regular school clothing; your points are well taken with those that can not afford the popular clothes.

I firmly believe that uniforms are the correct way to go. This will alleviate the need for expensive clothing and everyone will have the same look. Think about it, in the military everyone wears the same uniform...ie....a uniform would breed a sense of unity and a sense of belonging to something other than a gang or other semi-legal or questionable groups. You will not lose your sense of individuality, you will lose the nonsense that comes along with the haves and have-nots.

Answer 2

I love the uniforms, it has shown dramatic differences in our students confidence and grades. There are arguments that kids need to express themselves and uniforms don't allow that, but school is their job, and what they need to express in school is that they are a student. And if you don't want them to express that, maybe you really don't care about their academic achievements. Uniforms are ugly, they make a 13 year old look like their 12 instead of 17 (like the clothes they prefer), and uniforms are like a constant reminder that you're where you work because they would never where them when they're not working. And that's exactly what makes them so great. As adults, I think most of us forget how difficult it is to be 12 years old. Yesterday, my uniformed students got to wear crazy hair/hat day with their uniforms... and they all did great crazy things. They were so excited at the beginning of the day with the excitement and change that by the end of the day they were almost crying because they were so tired. The excitement of the day was just too much... and that's just from wearing a fuzzy hat and doing math work. The more we can focus students on learning, the more they will be able to learn.

Answer 3

I think its a good idea, but I dont think it will ever be law. Each school system decides that kind of thing on their own. Where I live, the middle school (6-7-8 grades) has a "uniform". The kids have to wear solid color polo shirts and regular cut, regular fitting 5 pocket jeans or khakis. No baggy,hanging off your butt, so long youre gonna walk on them jeans. And no carpenter/cargo jeans. Shirts have to be tucked in, and if your pants have belt loops, you have to wear a belt. When they first started this dress code, the shirts had to be red, black, or white-- school colors, but now its any color as long as its solid with no logos. So no Tommy Hilfigers, no Izod gators, etc. The kids look nice. However, the crazy thing about it is that its only the middle school with this dress code. The younger grades dont have it, nor does the high school. I know times have changed, but if we had worn the kind of things that the girls are wearing to school now, we would have been sent home to get some decent clothes on. (I'm 32, so it hasnt been THAT long ago).

Answer 4

I Love the idea of Uniforms. I wore uniforms until I graduated High School. It was easy in the morning, and stress free. As a parent I wish my children could wear uniform to school. Clothes are expensive and different outfits during the week get to the pocket. Plus Kids are cruel and pick on those less fortunate.
So yes I give my vote to uniforms....

Answer 5

That is a great policy, in theory. What about the poverty-stricken who can barely afford garage sale clothing or hand-me-downs for their children? What would we do about those people? Should the public pay more taxes to provide uniforms for those who couldn't afford them? I wish it were as simple as having everyone wear the same clothes because it would certainly cut down on the problem of gang colors and things like that. Give us a solution to paying for the poverty-stricken kids' clothes and maybe your idea will work.

Answer 6

Yes they should, and in my school district public school students wear them. It helps to reduce the social differences between rich and poor students.
Raising taxes is not necessary. School uniforms are not expensive and even schools and churches give them for free to less affluent students. Basically a kid can have a uniform of pants and polo shirt for 10 or 15 dollars.
About the question about individuality if you go to any school with no uniforms you notice that students basically wear the same clothes, specially in high school where fashion is important. One can not claim individuality when dress and behave the same as the other as all we did when we were teenagers.

Uniforms, yes.

Answer 7

uniforms suck. i hate the idea that you have to wear the same thing as everyone else. how ******* unamerican is that? it not only affects your individuality but it also affectshow other people see you. you say people make fun of you if you are less fortunate and can't afford that stuff. but what about punks and ****? how do you think they'd feel? if people make fun of you for what you wear then why don't you force sensitivity or tolerance training in schools across america? that would be a hell of a lot more affective then making people wear the same clothes

Answer 8

It wan't the uniforms, it was the private-ness of the school. They don't have the socio-economic problems of public schools, they pay their staff better so they have better staff, and they are more focused on sheer academics and have higher expectations of their students, because they can.

Answer 9

people at my hs don't tease eachother if they're clothing isn't expensive enough... that sounds really stupid. Uniforms don't allow you to express your individuality. land of the free remember? I don't think people get teased to that extent of which you have stated. maybe my town is just nice but

Answer 10

With the dress code in some schools , it couldn't hurt.