SCHOOL DRESS UNIFORMS: A REVIEW

Decreased Absences/Suspensions
In 1998, a study conducted by Brusna compared the effects of uniforms on tenth grade students. The statistical samples were taken from both catholic schools with and without mandatory uniforms and private schools with and without uniforms. Brusna wished to determine "the catholic effect", in addition to the effectiveness of uniforms in general on absenteeism, behavior, drug use and standardized test results. Results showed, not only that uniforms had no significant effect on any of these variables, but that catholic students who wore uniforms were absent more often and scored lower on achievement tests than those catholic students who did not. On a broader level, conclusions show that uniforms are not effective on a high school level (Brusma, 1998)

The Long Beach Unified School District study showed suspensions significantly decreased from the 1993-1994 to the 1994-1995 school year. Middle school suspensions decreased 36% and elementary suspensions were down by 28%. No direct correlation can be found between study results and uniforms (Stanley, 1996). In 1999, five years following the completion of the study, suspensions were down by 90% (Chatterjee, 1999).

Two urban Texas middle schools were used in 1996 to study not only the effect of school uniforms on both behaviors and perceptions, but whether or not uniform type (formal vs. informal) had any impact. Formal uniforms were defined as specific brands and styles dictated by the school. Informal uniforms were loosely defined styles and colors and allowed parents and students to select from a variety of manufacturers. The year following implementation showed an average decrease of 30% in disciplinary referrals. Referrals included three types of infractions: minor, moderate and violent. Dress code violations are included under minor infractions. The formal uniform dress code school decreased less than the informal, at 11% to 45%, however the informal school had considerably more infractions made (Hughes, 1996).

Increased Academic Achievement
In 1995-1996, a study was conducted using two Charleston, South Carolina secondary schools, one with a uniform policy, and one without. Both schools had similar socio-economic status, and contained approximately the same ethnic ratios. The study administered language arts and mathematics tests, as well as a survey and Cooper's self esteem inventory. The school with a uniform policy reported higher attendance, esteem and academic scores (Gregory, 1996).

Decreased Drug Use and Vandalism
Possession of chemical substances decreased significantly, down 69%, one year following the implementation of uniforms in the Long Beach Unified School District (Stanley, 1996). In a follow up study conducted five years following the implementation, vandalism had decreased by 69% (Chatterjee, 1999).

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