school uniforms are up for debate yet again

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As yet another another school year comes to a close our three public high local high schools are once again dealing with the serious issue of proper attire. The problem is so out of hand in out local middle school a note has gone home to parents stating no belly revealing shirts can be worn, no mini skirts or micro shorts, and tank tops and just clothing that is just more appropriate for a nightclub which many are years away from entering should be wearing.On the evening news the quick quip to make you make watch was watch the news to see why the school was bombarded with hundreds of calls from parents..of course the calls we positive, most parents are at the wits ends dealing with a child going out in such little clothing or hiding skimpy outfits under baggy sweats. So now the big talk is uniforms for September?Of course its been a long time debate. In a world where casual has become the chosen attire in professional settings, it appears that Casual Fridays began on Mondays in our public schools. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers, and sandals have become acceptable attire in the teaching profession So lets chat it out here's some pros and con's of uniforms let me know what you think??The Pros ... Eliminates opportunities for the ridicule of less popular or less fortunate students based on attire. Decreases theft and violence - 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. helping school officials recognize intruders who come to school Cons Self Expression Many educators and sociology experts believe that requiring children to wear standardized uniforms stifles their self-expression. Self-expression is an important part of child development and some experts believe that curbing it with uniforms can be detrimental to a child. Experts also believe that students who are forced to wear uniforms will only find other, less appropriate ways to express themselves, possibly through inappropriate use of makeup and jewelry. Individuality Some experts believe that public education attempts to strip children of their individuality. They believe that public education does not meet the needs of children who do not fall in the norm, and that uniforms attempt to force every student into one mold. They see standard dress as another way for public educators to remove student individuality where they should be embracing and celebrating diversity. Some experts believe it is not in the best interest of the child to try to control socialization which is a part of human nature. They believe that such use of school uniforms does not prepare children from the real world in which they will continue to be judged by appearances. Cost There are just as many experts who believe that the cost of school uniforms is a negative factor as those who see it as a positive factor. Some experts believe that it increases the amount of clothing parents will have to buy for their children because the children will still want and need clothing for the hours they are not in school. Uniforms can be more expensive for a family who buys from second-hand stores or who relies on hand-me-down clothing from friends and family. Some experts believe cost is a negative aspect of school uniforms because there is no use for them outside of school. Comfort Many experts argue that different types of clothing feel comfortable to different people. Some children are more comfortable in a specific material or style of clothing. Uniforms reduce one’s ability to choose clothing that fits individual comfort needs. Experts believe that children need to feel comfortable in order to maximize learning, and that uniforms can therefore deter academic success. Pros are not Pros Many educators and experts believe that, although in theory uniforms should improve academic, behavioral, and social outcomes, in reality they do not. These experts argue that the studies of schools who initiate uniforms do not report improvement in any of these areas; therefore, if the desired outcomes are not reached, there is no valid reason to standardize student dress. PS personally I think we have the right to choice what we wear within the rules of a dress code. I know that might be a confusing statement but i mean you can wear a tshirt not half of one lol. I like my own personal style a uniform seems to take something away from a person. just my opinion of course Cheryl