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 * About 60% of all children's clothing is along the guidelines for school dress codes. (ZB) **


 * . . . Reprinted from

MANUAL ON ** SCHOOL **** UNIFORMS **

(U.S. Department of Education)

n.d., pp. 1+


 * MANUAL ON** SCHOOL UNIFORMS


 * SCHOOLUNIFORMS**: WHERE THEY ARE AND WHY THEY WORK

A safe and disciplined learning environment is the first requirement of a good **school**. Young people who are safe and secure, who learn basic American values and the essentials of good citizenship, are better students. In response to growing levels of violence in our schools, many parents, teachers, and **school** officials have come to see **schooluniforms** as one positive and creative way to reduce discipline problems and increase **school** safety.

They observed that the adoption of **school** uniform policies can promote **school** safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment. The potential benefits of **school** **uniforms** include:

- decreasing violence and theft--even life-threatening situations--among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers;

- helping prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at **school**;

- instilling students with discipline;

- helping parents and students resist peer pressure;

- helping students concentrate on their **school** work; and

- helping **school** officials recognize intruders who come to the **school (MS)**

President Clinton provided momentum to the school uniform movement when he said in his 1996 State of the Union speech, "If it means teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms." (EL)

Virginia Draa, assistant professor at Youngstown State University, reviewed attendance, graduation and proficiency pass rates at 64 public high schools in Ohio. Her final analysis surprised her: "I really went into this thinking uniforms don't make a difference, but I came away seeing that they do. At least at these schools, they do. I was absolutely floored."

Draa's study concluded that those schools with uniform policies improved in attendance, graduation and suspension rates

(EL) ||

Having all students wear the same uniform helps create a sense that you belong somewhere and maintain a good school either by culture or spirit. And by showing that the expects an even higher standard, expectations are soon raised and students will usually respond with a better, more mature, behavior. When the United States began to use uniforms in public school there were many reports of improved discipline. (EL)

Uniform is a social leveller - it makes all the children at a school equal no matter what their family background or income. If students can choose their own clothes, then the rich kids compete to show off their expensive designer labels and costly sneakers (trainers). Children from poorer families get picked on for not being able to afford lots of pricey outfits. Schools in the USA have used uniform to overcome the problem of students wearing “gang colours” if they were allowed to choose their own clothes. Clothes with particular colours or symbols marked rival groups of students out as linked to street gangs. This often led to fighting inside and outside the classroom. If everyone has to wear the same clothes to school, this problem is removed. (EL)

Schools with uniforms obtain better educational results. This is because there is better discipline and so the school setting makes learning easier. Without the distraction of checking out what all the other students are wearing (or how much flesh they are showing), students find it easier to concentrate and do better in tests. (EL)

Some kids use baggy cloths to hid weapons and drugs. (EL)


 * uniforms ** would help discourage violence because students won't have a need to fight over who looks better or want to cause harm in an attempt to take another student's trendy clothes.

The Long Beach (CA) Unified ** School ** District became the first public ** school ** district in the nation, in 1994, to require that students wear ** uniforms **. In the first year, the district recorded a 50 percent decline in fights and number of cases of students bringing weapons to ** school **, according to a spokesman for the district.

o's parents would not or could not buy them the newest fad, would not be embarrassed or harassed because of their cloths. (EL) Many public-school leaders and parents of public school children believe that uniforms improve student behavior. They also believe that uniforms eliminate the distraction of fashion and keep students more focused on their work. Some argue that uniforms can remove barriers that exist between wealthier and poorer students. Some school administrators believe that uniforms hinder gang activity because colors or clothing associated with specific gangs cannot be worn to school. Uniforms can also make it easier to identify intruders that may slip into a school. Some studies have shown a connection between uniforms and better attendance and graduation rates. One study in 2010 showed that uniforms improved test scores and attendance for students, especially for girls. SITE: Wilde, Marian. "School uniform." //World Book Student.// World Book, 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.


 * About 60% of all children's clothing is along the guidelines for school dress codes. (ZB) **


 * . . . Reprinted from

MANUAL ON ** SCHOOL **** UNIFORMS **

(U.S. Department of Education)

n.d., pp. 1+


 * MANUAL ON** SCHOOL UNIFORMS


 * SCHOOLUNIFORMS**: WHERE THEY ARE AND WHY THEY WORK

A safe and disciplined learning environment is the first requirement of a good **school**. Young people who are safe and secure, who learn basic American values and the essentials of good citizenship, are better students. In response to growing levels of violence in our schools, many parents, teachers, and **school** officials have come to see **schooluniforms** as one positive and creative way to reduce discipline problems and increase **school** safety.

They observed that the adoption of **school** uniform policies can promote **school** safety, improve discipline, and enhance the learning environment. The potential benefits of **school** **uniforms** include:

- decreasing violence and theft--even life-threatening situations--among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers;

- helping prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at **school**;

- instilling students with discipline;

- helping parents and students resist peer pressure;

- helping students concentrate on their **school** work; and

- helping **school** officials recognize intruders who come to the **school (MS)**

President Clinton provided momentum to the school uniform movement when he said in his 1996 State of the Union speech, "If it means teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms." (EL)

Virginia Draa, assistant professor at Youngstown State University, reviewed attendance, graduation and proficiency pass rates at 64 public high schools in Ohio. Her final analysis surprised her: "I really went into this thinking uniforms don't make a difference, but I came away seeing that they do. At least at these schools, they do. I was absolutely floored."

Draa's study concluded that those schools with uniform policies improved in attendance, graduation and suspension rates

(EL) ||

Having all students wear the same uniform helps create a sense that you belong somewhere and maintain a good school either by culture or spirit. And by showing that the expects an even higher standard, expectations are soon raised and students will usually respond with a better, more mature, behavior. When the United States began to use uniforms in public school there were many reports of improved discipline. (EL)

Uniform is a social leveller - it makes all the children at a school equal no matter what their family background or income. If students can choose their own clothes, then the rich kids compete to show off their expensive designer labels and costly sneakers (trainers). Children from poorer families get picked on for not being able to afford lots of pricey outfits. Schools in the USA have used uniform to overcome the problem of students wearing “gang colours” if they were allowed to choose their own clothes. Clothes with particular colours or symbols marked rival groups of students out as linked to street gangs. This often led to fighting inside and outside the classroom. If everyone has to wear the same clothes to school, this problem is removed. (EL)

Schools with uniforms obtain better educational results. This is because there is better discipline and so the school setting makes learning easier. Without the distraction of checking out what all the other students are wearing (or how much flesh they are showing), students find it easier to concentrate and do better in tests. (EL)

Some kids use baggy cloths to hid weapons and drugs. (EL)


 * uniforms ** would help discourage violence because students won't have a need to fight over who looks better or want to cause harm in an attempt to take another student's trendy clothes.

The Long Beach (CA) Unified ** School ** District became the first public ** school ** district in the nation, in 1994, to require that students wear ** uniforms **. In the first year, the district recorded a 50 percent decline in fights and number of cases of students bringing weapons to ** school **, according to a spokesman for the district.

o's parents would not or could not buy them the newest fad, would not be embarrassed or harassed because of their cloths. (EL)

Many public-school leaders and parents of public school children believe that uniforms improve student behavior. They also believe that uniforms eliminate the distraction of fashion and keep students more focused on their work. Some argue that uniforms can remove barriers that exist between wealthier and poorer students. Some school administrators believe that uniforms hinder gang activity because colors or clothing associated with specific gangs cannot be worn to school. Uniforms can also make it easier to identify intruders that may slip into a school. Some studies have shown a connection between uniforms and better attendance and graduation rates. One study in 2010 showed that uniforms improved test scores and attendance for students, especially for girls. SITE: Wilde, Marian. "School uniform." //World Book Student.// World Book, 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.

We have worked with schools across the United States, and believe us, you are not the only person asking this question! The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is complicated, so we've included highlights from both sides for you to consider:

Professional:

Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies.

Promotes Good Discipline:

Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline, decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is that children today are lacking in self-discipline because parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at a time.

Reduces Fighting and Violence:

Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arrise out of arguments over fashionable clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions.

Distractions:

Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on thier clothes than on homework.

Values:

School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion fad.

Low Cost:

School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability. They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as hand-me-downs between siblings.

School Spirit:

Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, "Be true to your school." Schools report an increase in school pride.

Individuality:

Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and self-expression, forcing students to conform.

Causes Discipline Problems:

Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear school uniforms only aggravates their rebelious spirit. They alter their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of policing the students on a daily basis.

Little or No Relationship to Academics:

Opponents insist that their is no credible evidence that school uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic acheivement. The principal argument is that some great students are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve learning.

Read more: [|http://isaacgrauke.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/pros-and-cons-of-school-uniforms-182.html#ixzz1Z50Icldx]

Under Creative Commons License: [|Attribution No Derivatives]


 * [|Isaac Grauke] ** - ** About the Author: **

Isaac Grauke is manager of sales and marketing for Hall Closet Uniforms and Apparel, http://www.hallclosetuniforms.com

Read more: [|http://isaacgrauke.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/pros-and-cons-of-school-uniforms-182.html#ixzz1Z50bMZZ8]

Under Creative Commons License: [|Attribution No Derivatives]

. School uniforms would save parents money. The up front cost of a uniform would be much less than a new wardrobe of the new "coolest" styles.



2. School uniforms would save time for both parents and their children. Children would not have to think about what to wear in the morning and parents save time taking children shopping and waiting for them to get ready and in some cases saying "you can't we



3. Children who come from a less fortunate economic background would not appear to be "lacking" or made fun of because their parents could not afford to buy them the newest trendy garment. As children are very often harassed or embarrassed because of their c



4. Any sort of gang related identity or markings would not be an issue. In addition baggy clothing to used to hide weapons, drugs or pregnancy would make the lives of teens more transparent and less hidden from adults.



5. At the end of the day school is primarily a place of learning. The garments worn should be reflective of that. Clothing should be respectful and conservative falling in the lines of the schools dress code. There are many constraints already placed on ones



6. Uniforms make identification of children who belong to the school and those that don't easy.



7. Children will be that much less focused on appearance and more on learning. Appearance can be very distracting for pre-teens and teens.

=School Uniforms: Pros and Cons= by Ann Svensen There is something comforting about schoolchildren dressed in [|pleats and plaid]. Maybe it reminds us of our own childhood, or conjures up thoughts of order and safety. Whatever the reason, one thing's for sure -- school uniforms are getting a lot of wear these days. From California to Boston, some of the nation's largest school districts now have uniform policies. In New York City alone, more than half a million elementary-school students will be wearing them by next fall.
 * The Case for Uniforms**

No long-term, formal studies have been done on the effectiveness of school uniforms, but many schools have kept their own informal statistics. California's Long Beach Unified School District's records are probably cited most often. This urban district adopted a mandatory uniform policy in 1994. Since then, school crime has dropped by 76 percent, while attendance has reached an all-time high.
 * If You're a Skeptic, Get in Line**

But Long Beach's glowing statistics have been met with skepticism. Some education experts say that no school can prove that uniforms alone cause such dramatic reductions in crime. Other detractors see uniform policies as a violation of students' rights to free expression, and nothing more than a Band-Aid that fails to address the real causes of [|youth violence].
 * Pros and Cons**


 * Dr. Alan Hilfer, senior psychologist in the Children's and Adolescent Unit at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn says, "Uniforms do eliminate competition, pressure, and assaults perpetrated by older kids on younger kids for their sneakers and other possessions. They also allow some kids to focus better, especially in the lower grades." But Dr. Hilfer says there is a downside: "Clothes are a source of expression for children, and as kids get older, they become increasingly resentful of uniforms."**
 * From the Trenches**

Anthony Poet, assistant principal at the Pueblo Del Sol Middle School in Arizona, recently instituted a uniform policy in his school. He's the first to agree that kids don't like uniforms. But he noticed that the same kids who said they hated the policy also said they're glad to have it. One student confirms, "Uniforms make the school safer, but I don't like them." Since his school began requiring uniforms, Poet has documented a remarkable drop in discipline problems. But until a long-term study is done, he says he can't be sure whether it's the uniforms or the act of instituting the policy that's made the difference. Dr. Hilfer explains: "Discipline problems may be decreasing in schools with uniforms because the schools (and the parents) have begun taking the issue of discipline more seriously."
 * Are Uniforms Right for Your District?**

According to Dr. Hilfer, strict dress codes are not for everybody. "Some schools thrive on permissiveness and individuality, while others have to be more restrictive to contain a restless student body." Before making the uniform decision, he suggests that schools carefully consider their unique populations; what kind of message they want to send; and whether or not they think their kids will go for it. Dr. Hilfer warns, "By instituting a uniform policy, schools are taking away kids' individuality -- schools need to decide if that sacrifice is worth making."

Read more on FamilyEducation: [|http://school.familyeducation.com/educational-philosophy/individuality/38676.html#ixzz1Z51Dd4GH]

Pros

Uniform helps to create a strong sense school ethos and a sense of belonging to a particular community. As such it promotes discipline and helps to drive up academic standards, which is why a uniform is often adopted by schools which are being reopened with a fresh start after being classified as failing.

Uniform helps to create a strong sense school ethos and a sense of belonging to a particular community. As such it promotes discipline and helps to drive up academic standards, which is why a uniform is often adopted by schools which are being reopened with a fresh start after being classified as failing. Uniform has practical benefits when students are outside the school building. Being readily identified with a particular institution may make students more aware of their behaviour while travelling to and from the school, leading them to act more considerately, e.g. to other passengers on buses or trains. On organised trips away from the school it is much easier for teachers to ensure they haven’t lost anyone and to monitor behaviour, than if students wore their own clothes and blended in with the crowds.

Uniform prepares students for life after education, when most will be expected to dress smartly and appropriately for work, adhering to a corporate dress code.

Uniform makes it easy to check that every student maintains a smart appearance and is dressed appropriately for their classes. In schools where students are allowed to dress as they like, in practice a constant battle has to be fought by staff to ensure that what the students choose to wear is not inappropriate, e.g. because it is too revealing, features T-shirts with offensive slogans, would be dangerous while performing scientific experiments, etc

THE ANSWER TO VIOLENCE IN AMERICAN **SCHOOLS** OR A CHEAP EDUCATIONAL REFORM?

Media stories about a nationwide **school** epidemic, in which assaults on teachers are frequent and children are routinely killed over designer clothing, have been constant over the past few years. These reports have placed pressure on **schools** and politicians to act quickly, before the situation gets out of control.

Toward that end, the adoption of **school** **uniforms** has seemed to offer a visible means of restoring order to the nation's classrooms--a quick and ready solution to the problem of public **schools** in a rapid state of decline.

Four years ago, Long Beach, California, drew national attention as the first public-**school** district to adopt mandatory **school** **uniforms**. After just one year, dramatic decreases in violence and discipline problems, as well as higher test scores, were reported.

President Clinton visited Long Beach in 1995 and subsequently urged all **schools** to consider mandatory **school** **uniforms**. The advantages were outlined in the Manual on **School** **Uniforms**, which the president instructed the Department of Education to distribute to all 16,000 **school** districts in the country. In his 1996 State of the Union Address, Clinton said, "If it means that teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public **schools** should be able to require their students to wear **uniforms**."

Since then, **school** **uniforms** have been upheld as the long-awaited policy tool for solving the crisis of **school** violence. In October 1998, **uniforms** were endorsed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors' National Action Plan on **School** Violence and Kids at a national summit on **school** violence. The October 15, 1998, USA Today reports significant drops in crime and increases in student performance in **schools** that have implemented **uniform** policies. In particular, it cites figures such as a 91 percent drop in assaults, thefts, vandalism, and weapon and drug violations in Long Beach since 1991.

And the fact that the policy has only been in effect since 1994 suggests that crime was already on the way down before it was introduced.

So before other districts jump on the bandwagon, it would seem that more research should be undertaken to pinpoint whether a **uniform** policy alone is truly enough to end **school** violence and improve student performance, as is being suggested, or if the support for **uniforms** is just an economical solution designed to mask the true magnitude of the problem. Has any meaningful discussion taken place on the issue? Have **school** administrators examined the unenforceable aspects of a **uniform** policy and the other inadvertent consequences of requiring all students to dress alike?

The following is a list of benefits described in the Manual on **School** **Uniforms** and counterarguments showing that most of these are unenforceable and don't benefit anyone other than politicians looking for a cheap and easy diversion from the deep-rooted issues underlying today's social problems:

[|Decreasing violence and theft--even life-threatening situations --among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers.]

For this to occur, there would have to be a clause in the dress code stating that no designer clothing or expensive sneakers could be worn as part of the **school** **uniform**. It should not be assumed that, just because **uniforms** require certain colors, children will abandon all interest in designer labels.

When I was in **school** in England, the **uniform** included a white blouse and black V-neck sweater, which could be purchased from any store. Consequently, there were students who purchased black sweaters with Lacoste and Fila logos on the chest, while other students wore plain black, nameless brands. The distinction between groups based on the logos on their sweaters was widely acknowledged and was even the basis of cliques that persisted throughout high **school**.

It is likely that, whatever **uniform** is required in American **schools**, children will also be able to find clothing displaying emblems of their choice. Banning brands, labels, or insignia--as has been the case in Long Beach **schools**--means that **school** personnel will be involved in constant trivial disputes over the permissibility of such things as a half-inch flag emblem above the back pocket of a pair of pants. This will also cause problems for children who buy less-expensive clothing, as cheaper brands also make clothing with visible emblems.

Also, the very thing President Clinton referred to in his State of the Union Address--namely, designer jackets--would be impossible to prevent unless **schools** require jackets to be purchased only from specific **school**-**uniform** outlets. This requirement would be costly and unenforceable, and even the strictest **uniform** policies around the world have not gone as far as to specify the type of jacket that can be worn over the **uniform** when the student is walking to and from **school**.

To eliminate sneaker-related violence, sneakers would have to be banned altogether in **schools**, as it is virtually impossible to buy a nameless brand of sneakers. The assumption is presumably that forty minutes of gym class would not be long enough for thieves to notice who owns the expensive sneakers.

This issue is probably already a thing of the past, as boots are increasingly replacing sneakers as the footwear of choice for many teenagers. And even the boots chosen are those with visible logos that identify the brand. This may be why Long Beach **schools** have gone as far as banning logos on shoes; but, again, this also seems to be problematic for children wearing cheaper brands, which display the brand name on the shoe.

[|Helping prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at school.]

Even if all students wear the **school** **uniform**, teachers will still be involved in constant battles to ban adornments seen as gang-affiliated. It is unlikely that students will admit that an adornment signifies their gang membership, so all teachers will need to keep abreast of different gangs' insignia and latest accessories.

It seems a lot simpler to just have a general rule against gang-related garb in **schools**. This could be more easily achieved by forbidding the wearing of any nonessential accessories, such as bandannas and pagers, rather than implementing a whole **school** uniform to combat the problem. If it is just the gang "look" that **schools** want to abolish, this could be a harder problem to overcome--khaki pants (a popular choice for **school** **uniforms**) can be bought in baggy styles and, like jeans, can be worn hanging from the hips.

In fact, the whole topic of clothing is a superficial issue, as gangs cannot be eliminated simply by forbidding the wearing of gang colors. Gang members will just not be recognizable to other gang members for six hours a day, which does nothing to solve the problem of gang violence on a wider scale.

[|Instilling students with discipline.]

If instilling discipline is the aim, then it makes sense to follow the lead of the two most discipline-instilling institutions: prisons and the military. Of course, if the aim is to teach students to be able to think for themselves and acquire the skills needed to direct their own behavior based on informed choices and personal decision-making (something prohibited in both prisons and the military), then maybe we should reconsider.

Discipline procedures designed to assert teachers' authority are likely to disrupt the teacher-student relationship and cause further hostility toward authority figures. Discipline should not be founded on fear of authority, as this type of social control doesn't prepare students for the democratic society in which they will become adults. To be able to live in a democratic society, students must understand that rules serve to give everyone equal rights and that these rules ensure society's safety and well-being.

A more humanistic way of instilling discipline would be to teach students right from wrong, the purpose of rules, and the consequences of breaking those rules. Understanding these concepts requires insightful and reflective thinking, and these are skills students should be learning in **school** to help them in their future roles as adults.

[|Helping parents and students resist peer pressure.]

This point refers to the pressure to buy expensive name-brand clothing. It is unfortunate that parents are at the mercy of their children's desires, a result of billion-dollar advertising campaigns. The drive to acquire designer-label clothing is a desire imposed by the mass media onto poor inner-city teenagers. Advertisers have long been aware that the culture of consumption has given the underprivileged a way to compensate for feelings of failure in a society that values material wealth.

It should be the role of **schools** to teach children about the way they are manipulated by the mass media and targeted by advertisers as a susceptible market niche. Perhaps enlightening them about the use of sweatshop laborers in Vietnam who work for fifteen cents an hour in health-hazardous conditions to make $120 Nike sneakers would be enough to deter some students with a conscience.

Parents and students can be taught to resist peer pressure to buy expensive name-brand clothing through education about the true creators of this pressure. Creating a diversion from the true roots of the problem may help politicians but, as long as advertisers continue to use athletic heroes to induce inner-city youth to buy their products, **school** **uniforms** can do little to help parents and students.

[|Helping students concentrate on their school work.]

The idea is that if students don't have to think about what they are going to wear to **school** each day they will be able to focus on learning in **school**. This notion is simply ludicrous. For many children living in homes where abuse, neglect, and criminal activity are daily occurrences, deciding what to wear is probably the least of their worries. If **schools** want to solve personal problems in the lives of their students to help them "concentrate on their **school** work," there are many other issues that should rate higher on the list of priorities than eliminating dress concerns.


 * Schools ** are supposed to prepare students for their future roles as adults. Exactly what kind of world are students being prepared to live in--one where no tough decisions ever have to be made and where their hardest choice each day is deciding what to wear?

When students leave **school** and enter the world of work, they will have to wake up every day and decide what to wear. It's a decision made by every human being in all cultures around the world. Students should not be denied the opportunity to participate in a decision-making process that they will need to use for the rest of their lives. It is a basic skill: deciding what to wear and being able to combine this decision with some other activity, such as **school** work or paid work. The two are not mutually exclusive, and it is absurd to assume that focus on one will detract attention from the other.

The October 15, 1998, USA Today reports that teachers felt **uniforms** contributed to higher academic achievement because students were not distracted by the clothes of their classmates. Once again, this is a skill students need to learn in **school**, as no employer is going to accept that an employee produced inadequate work because they were "distracted" by the clothes of their coworkers.

[|Helping school officials recognize intruders who come to the school.]

Most of the **uniforms** adopted across the country seem to be quite similar in that they require navy or khaki pants for boys and a choice of solid-colored shirts. So to be recognized as an intruder, the individual would have to be dressed in clothes that don't resemble a **school** **uniform** of any kind. Since there will always be children in each **school** who exercise their legal right to choose how to dress, there will be no way of differentiating these children from the intruder.


 * School ** officials should be aware of people wandering in and out of the **school** building and, other than between periods, all students should be in a classroom. It would therefore seem that an intruder might stand out by the mere fact that he or she is roaming around the **school** grounds at a time when all other students are in class or is strolling into **school** halfway through the day. Of course, this probably doesn't allow for the punctual intruder who arrives at **school** the same time as everyone else.

Perhaps requiring all students to carry a **school** I.D. would help solve the case of the mystery person out of **uniform**. This would seem a much less intrusive way of accounting for **school** membership and would also help prepare students for their lives as adults, when a driver's license or other form of identification is nearly always carried.

Krysia and Gillian (equal amount of work.)

WILKINS, JULIA. "School Uniforms." //Humanist// 59.2 (1999): 19. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//. EBSCO. Web. 30 Sept. 2011.

FOR SCHOOL UNIFORMS: Many public-school leaders and parents of public school children believe that uniforms improve student behavior. They also believe that uniforms eliminate the distraction of fashion and keep students more focused on their work. Some argue that uniforms can remove barriers that exist between wealthier and poorer students. Some school administrators believe that uniforms hinder gang activity because colors or clothing associated with specific gangs cannot be worn to school. Uniforms can also make it easier to identify intruders that may slip into a school. Some studies have shown a connection between uniforms and better attendance and graduation rates. One study in 2010 showed that uniforms improved test scores and attendance for students, especially for girls.