Uniforms ≠ Learning

By Lori Brouillette Period 2

School Uniforms School uniforms are

standard wear for many students around the world.

What is a uniform? At some schools,

students have to wear the exact same clothing to school daily.

Other schools have less

strict codes, by having students choose from select options, such as:• Blue or khaki pants• Blue, white or red shirts• Neat and clean hair• Shirts tucked in

Dress for Success? 1996, President Bill

Clinton recommended schools adopt a dress policy that included school uniforms.

Since then, 21 states and the District of Columbia have adopted rules that allow for districts to tell students how to dress.

Dress for Success? But, should

schools force children to wear specific clothes to school?

Will Adams Middle School Students be “dressed for success” if they wear uniforms?

Safety Many experts say

that some students are made fun of at school if they are not wearing the latest designer clothing.

Safety But, uniforms are

not the great social equalizer.

Students will continue to find alternative ways to bully each other.

Safety In fact, uniforms

may have the opposite effect.

Uniforms make students from rival schools immediately identifiable to others, making it easier to pick fights.

Safety Uniforms may be

inappropriate for the weather.• Poor, thin fabric• Girls have to wear

skirts all year, even in winter-time.

Ready for Work?

Is a uniform the appropriate dress

code for success in school and

preparation for life?

Ready for Work?

Research has shown that adults who went to schools without uniforms do not struggle in the workplace.

Ready for Work? Today’s workplace is

more casual.

Even Adams Middle School Teachers get to wear jeans on Fridays.

Wearing uniforms to school to prepare for work seems anachronistic, out of time.

Where are YOU? Uniforms were

better suited for the old days of American education.• Rote memorization

of facts• Military style of

discipline• And strict dress

codes.

Where are YOU? Modern education

has different values:• Showcase

everyone’s ability, regardless of different characteristics & skills

• Student creativity • Accept responsibility

for your life decisions.

Success Regardless of Dress Many schools, and

many countries, have been able to maintain high academic standards without uniforms.

Resources www.timeforkid.com www.kidslovetoknow./

Pros_cons_of_school uniforms www.idebate.org/schooluniform