Since that tragedy, school officials have been diligently working on policies that would provide both a safe and educational environment to students. As we try to improve.
learning environments in our schools we must not make uniforms the sole plan for success. Uniforms should be part of a larger picture. Many officials chose uniform policy because it is a simple and efficient way to start making changes. According to Jean Hartman a spokesman of the Long Beach California school system said there are, "fewer disruptions, fewer suspensions, and better attendance"(Time). Thus if we support uniforms then we support safer schools.
Uniforms also help to improve school climate. Positive school climate increases the retention rate in the classroom, because students feel that they are part of a community. Without uniforms students may feel pressured by other students wearing designer clothing or expensive sneakers. Having uniforms would help decrease competition and possibly increase a sense of belonging. Jean Hartman was an opponent .
Uniforms in the of the Long Beach California uniform plan in 1994. In 1999, after seeing the positive impact of school uniforms Jean Hartman is quoted in Time Magazine stating that uniforms, "break down any kind of social and economic barrier so everyone is on an even playing field"(Time). By giving each child a fair opportunity in the classroom students feel more confident in school. .
A study was conducted back in 1996 at two North Carolina middle schools. The study was to determine the effects of uniforms on school climate. One middle school had a uniform policy and the other middle school did not. The study consisted of fifty-five statements divided into ten subscales. Students were asked to give a response of how people in the school community felt about various school issues. The choices of response were, students usually feel safe in school, Students understand why they are at school, and students in school are well-behaved even when the teacher is not near.
