I am a third generation educator. I also have nothing against school uniforms. I wore one from my first day of school until I graduated high school. My problem is with lazy, politically expedient decision making -- which is a fair characterization of the school board's imposition of school uniforms.
First, some background from a conversation with the school administrator who spearheaded the initiative for school uniforms. He mentioned that the idea came from a parent in his school. He also said that the school board researched the idea, and found no evidence that school uniforms in and of themselves impacted student test scores, behavior or engagement/pride in school. That is an accurate summary of the research literature. One can always find examples that support a predetermined position -- some research says uniforms work and more shows they don't. The issue here is critical and thoughtful analysis. This was not done. If it was, the board would have concluded that on both sides of the issue the research is methodologically weak, has poor statistical controls, and suffers from sophomoric and wholly inappropriate statistical analysis. The handful of studies that meet a minimum good practice criteria uniformly show (pun intended) that school uniforms do not impact student outcomes.
I mentioned this to my administrator friend. He agreed, and then stunned me by saying, "we're doing it anyway." So some schools are changing to school uniforms and expecting improved test scores, reduced bullying and improved school pride. All from a new pair of slacks and polo shirts. Which begs the question -- what other magical powers do clothes have?
Here are some outstanding issues I'd like the board to publically clarify:
» This is not being implemented district-wide. If uniforms are so beneficial, why withhold such an educational bounty from the majority of students in the district?
» Participation in the program was voluntary. It is curious that only Title I schools "volunteered."
» A survey was held where there had to be a 70 percent parent response rate and 60 percent of those parents had to be in favor for a school to adopt the uniform policy. I requested a copy of the data so that I could independently verify the results -- I have yet to receive a copy.
» The district sent out a flyer extolling the virtues of uniforms that was either unintentionally misleading or knowingly false. Why?
So why would the school board do this? The answer is simple -- political expediency. It looks like they're actually doing something when in reality they are doing absolutely nothing. There is the added bonus that implementing this program doesn't cost the school board one red cent. The cost is carried by the parents of the children in the Title I schools. Those with the least financial means are now required to purchase school uniforms.
When I brought this to the attention of my administrator friend, his response was, "We'll give people a voucher."
I received my vouchers on the last day of school. I ripped them up.
David F. Lopez
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
14 comments:
The board of ed members especially Ron Wiley said this would not cost the school system any money. He said not one cent. There could not have been vouchers to pay for clothes.
You can find a copy of the survey results on the BOE website.
If in fact you take the time and actually look at the price of uniforms vs. regular clothes it is cheaper. So what if i have to go out and buy a few uniforms. Also the title one schools did not volunteer as you so say. This is a pilot program. The schools were chosen based on bullying, and fight statistics. The idea is if there is no pressure to buy the latest Fubu, what have you that the students will not bully each other and actually take the time to learn.. You my sir apparently are too quick to complain without actually looking at the whole picture. Next year, chances are all elementary schools will be mandatory uniform.
People keep saying it is cheaper to buy uniforms than regular clothes. Well your child must be different than mine because sending him to school in white and light blue shirts and khaki pants is going to make those clothes last how long? Not to mention the fact that the minute he gets home from school he will be changing out of the uniform and into regular clothes as for the weekend so now I have to buy two sets of clothes for him and that is if he doesn't hit a growth spurt this school year. I still believe if the school would have enforced the dress code before then we would not be here. I also feel the teachers need to dress a little more like teachers and give the kids something to look up to not where did you get that top?
3:25pm
While I agree with you that some off our teachers need a refresher course in professional attire or even business casual attire.
You made the comment about how long particular colors of the clothing were going to last, you only listed the lightest color options that your school offered, you may want go back and look at your other more kid friendly options.
Positively the schools chosen were not based on bullying and fighting statistics. At no time were facts given that any fights have occurred in elementary schools, or any bullying either, because of clothing. Having facts is not something needed for the board to make a decision.
Maybe the people that commented above are onto something. We should make a dress code for the teachers. Nothing fancy. Black, blue or khaki pants or skirt and white or blue shirts.
You people are IDIOTS!! It is a Consistent Attire Program not UNIFORMS. Get it through your thick skulls.
Where did the money come from for the vouchers?
Did poor families at all CAP schools get these vouchers? If not, how fair is this?
Those knocking Lopez, you aren't one of the parents who said "maybe" in the survey and had it counted as a "yes."
The "survey" was just another political show.
My son had to wear khaki pants and a white or powder blue shirt and the school tie as his uniform. We loved it. No fighting over what to wear to school. Actually less laundry. Was ABSOLUTELY cheaper - maybe it's because we had a boy but we definitely bought less "regular" clothes. My granddaughter now goes to a private school and my son and wife say the say things - they like the uniform decision too. I was a skeptic at the beginning but ended up loving the concept.
Where did the money for the vouchers come from?
Doesn't the public have a right to know where the money came from? Also, if one principal gave out vouchers, why didn't others who have poor kids in their schools?
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