DOES WEARING A UNIFORM IMPROVE STUDENTS’ ACADEMICS?

BY MUNEIB CHATER

Whether or not wearing a uniform in school can help students in academic achievement has been part of many debates. School principals seem to think uniforms can, and so do parents, teachers, faculty, and staff. However, just because a uniform may save parents a handful of cold cash, it doesn’t mean that wearing uniforms is working as imagined in public schools. There are many pros of uniforms, yet there are just as many, if not much more, cons. Sometimes, wearing uniforms may lead to a different set of conflicts.

One benefit mentioned by principals and faculty is that wearing uniforms can reduce bullying. My experience at North Albany Academy comparing last school year when uniforms were introduced to 2008-09, when there were no uniforms, was that there were hardly any differences in the levels of bullying.

Another hope is that wearing uniforms will improve academics. The faculty and staff believe that if students wear uniforms, they don’t have to be concerned about what they or other people are wearing, which can allow students to focus more on their grades.

At North Albany Academy, wearing uniforms was an option, and not everyone wore one. My observations told me that less than 40% wore a uniform on a regular basis. This defeats the purpose of wearing a uniform, which is to keep everyone feeling equal, since some people can afford the latest clothing while others cannot.  If public schools are going to use uniforms, they should make them mandatory and make everyone wear one. Last year the uniforms only led to distractions.

What the school district, faculty and parents don’t seem to understand is that many students hardly judge each other by what shirt or pants they are wearing. They judge you by your shoes.

With the newest, hottest shoes on the market, a kid can be the center of attention, which makes every kid want them, whether they can afford them or not. By including shoes with the uniform, not only will it save parents a lot of money, but it will also save students a lot of stress.

In my opinion, wearing uniforms in public schools was unsuccessful, but there are a few changes that could be made to get the concept of uniforms to work.

1. Include shoes.

2. Make wearing uniforms mandatory.

3. Add some fashion.

No one wants to wear a dull polo. Uniforms should be bright and fashionable, yet appropriate. Then students might actually want to wear them. Maybe it would make students honored and proud to attend school on a regular basis.

The way uniforms are used right now is a major issue, and the purposes of wearing them are hardly being achieved. Uniforms should either be removed from public schools or officials should think about improving the way they look and are used.

What do you think? Use the comment box below to share your thoughts!