School Uniform

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the subject of wearing uniforms at public schools and notes that the practice has become more common in recent years. The paper notes that there are advantages and disadvantages to wearing uniforms and looks at arguments on both sides of the issue. The writer argues that, while it was thought that wearing uniforms would do away with economic and social distinctions and reduce gang participation, research has found that student uniforms actually had no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems, or attendance. The writer further points out that school uniforms also deprive students of a vital form of self-expression.

Outline:
Introduction and Statistics
Pro: School Uniforms
Con: School Uniforms
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"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."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Applebome, Peter. "In Court: When Clothes Speak to More Than Fashion." The New York Times. 23 Sept 2007. 15 Oct 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/nyregion/23towns.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=slogin
• Bennett, Jill. "Clinton Urges Stricter Rules in Schools." The New York Times. 21 July 1998. 15 Oct 2007. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00E3DE1E30F932A15754C0A96E958260&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/C/Clinton,%20Bill
• Brunsma, D.L. & Rockquemore, K.A. "Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Abuse, and Academic Achievement." The Journal of Education Research. 92.1. Sept. /Oct. 1998, pp. 53-62. 15 Oct 2007. http://www.geocities.com/school_uniforms/abstract98.html
• "Judge Rules in Favor of Michigan Student's Right to Wear Anti-War T-Shirt to School." ACLU. 1 Oct 2003. 15 Oct 2007. http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/youth/11405prs20031001.html
• Kelley, Melissa. "School Uniforms." About.com. 2006. 15 Oct 2007. http://712educators.about.com/cs/schoolviolence/a/uniforms.htm

More papers on School Uniform:

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• Article Review # 104108 : "Mandatory School Uniform Policies in California"
• Persuasive Essay # 95773 : "Mandatory School Uniform"

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