Dress Codes In Urban Schools

In 1994 The Long Beach, California Unified School district became the first urban school to require school uniforms for children. Schools in Oakland, Norfolk, Phoenix, Seattle, and other cities began to adopt similar uniform policies after the success California. This was the first time that a public school district had adopted a uniform policy. The way students choose to dress is protected under the first amendment. According to Education Partnerships, INC

“No large scale studies have demonstrated a conclusive link between school dress codes or school uniforms and student achievement. However, several small scale studies and anecdotal reports from principals, teachers and students indicate that the imposition of dress codes - including

A school in Boston put a dress code in place when administrators though some students were more interested in designer names then schoolwork. The policy would save teens and parents money by making such dress unnecessary. Teachers during a study of adopting a new uniform policy noticed that “the school takes on a quieter, studious atmosphere. They’re more focused on their assignments.” (Boutelle 36) Students are not able to judge others on what they are wearing. They see each other as equals. They don’t have to look better than any other student to get learning done. There are also fewer issues with the kind of shoes students need to have in order to participate in physical education. Students are all put on an even playing field with school uniforms. They are not judged depending on their socioeconomic status. They are directly evaluated by their attitude and willingness to learn. Students can spend less time analyzing everyone's dress styles, which can also contribute to less

School uniforms prepare students for the future. School uniforms teach modesty. By dressing in a school uniform students learn what dress is appropriate for the situation they are in. They develop a sense for when clothing can be distracting, and what can be beneficial. The focus of school uniforms is to improve discipline and academic performance. School is put in place to prepare for the real world. In a professional environment you have to dress to be respected. “When we are lucky enough to have a student wear their uniform with a sports coat or a blazer we tell them that they look like an adult going to work.”(Boutelle 36) This prepares students to succeed in the professional