Schools Without Uniforms example essay topic
The cost of uniforms as compared to the latest fashion statement is ridiculous. For the price of a household appliance, two or three outfits can be bought. The way the kids are dressed is more important than the grades they make. The students who don't have the money to buy all the newest clothes tend to not go to school as much because they feel that they don't fit in. The kids that come from lower class level backgrounds are the kids out there selling drugs and committing the crimes, but the money made goes to buy the latest designer jeans, just so they are " cool" at school.
Uniforms can be bought at almost any clothing store. Prices range from $5-$7 for shirts, $10 for shorts and $7 for jumpers. Of course used clothes are cheaper. Majority of parents only buy two or three outfits for a school year. (Shrieve's, 3). Hand-me-down uniforms are used more than street clothes would be.
Should public schools in the U.S.A. have their children dressed in uniforms? Yes, as long as there are positive reactions involved. Uniforms not only look better and make fitting in easier but decisions on what to wear in the morning, a thing of the past. It used to be that the kids that wore the K-Mart or Wal-Mart brand of clothes were thought of as uncool.
These are the students with lower test scores and poorer school attendance. Uniforms don't only bring down the cost of clothes for the parents, but the school spirit is higher and the students feel a sense of unity. The line between the poor and rich kids is brought down, the students can no longer tease on another because of their clothes as they are all dressed the same. Students all dressed the same... that is the whole idea. But there some negative areas of this.
Some psychologists may argue that having students alike decreases their sense of expression or creativity. The students can express themselves in the classroom or even wear different socks. Some days are specified for the optional dress down, where the children can wear what ever they would like. When the students are in uniforms the administration can spot people who are not to be on campus.
Gang activity is not as high because the students can not show their colors or symbols. Uniforms are becoming a fast moving trend that started in Long Beach, California in 1994. The schools there have seen a change in the way students act, and for the better. The crime rate is down 76%, assaults on school property is down as well by 85%. (Education World, 1). Some schools use the option of wearing a uniform, while others have a mandatory or no uniforms at all.
The schools without uniforms have a dress code that students must follow. In some high schools no obeying the dress codes, could result in a suspension or severe punishments. One of the reasons behind the sudden change in school policy has to do with the reagent school shootings. The most famous and talked about one was the Columbine High School.
The two teens were able to bring in weapons to the school under trench coats. With uniforms this could have been prevented, because long coats are not to be worn in the school. But should uniforms only be worn by the students? How about the teachers and staff?
If the kids have to wear them, then so should the rest of the school. The problem with the current dress codes is that the principles are not doing their jobs by enforcing the rules. A quick cover up for school problems is to change to.