Q&A – Should All Schools Have Uniforms? – Driven By Braman Motorcars
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Today’s Entry: @brianmuddradio Interesting about reduced bullying w/school uniforms. Are there any public schools that have converted to uniforms?
Bottom Line: Today’s note stems from my commentary in yesterday’s Top 3 Takeaways. As mentioned, I’ve always believed that all schools – not just select private schools – should have school uniforms. Studies have shown bullying is reduced by an average of 70% with the implementation of school uniforms. So, about today’s question...are there public schools where uniforms are mandated? The answer is yes – there are thousands across the country, and many public schools in Florida that mandate the wearing of school uniforms. Let’s take a closer look.
Nationwide there are over 18,000, or nearly 19% of public schools, with a mandatory uniform policy in place. In Florida there are approximately 400 public schools (425 was my exact count), or approximately 11% of Florida’s public schools, with mandatory uniform policies in place. So effectively Florida’s adaptation to uniform policies is at about half of the national average. As for where those schools are across the state – they're concentrated in five school districts: Duval, Escambia, Miami-Dade, Osceola and Polk that have implemented a variation of uniform policies. Here’s what that looks like:
Duval:
- Policy: Uniform policies are school-specific, implemented upon approval by School Advisory Councils (SACs). 30 schools have these policies in place
Escambia:
- Policy: Policies are decided by SACs with a 60% parent vote. Six schools have mandatory uniform policies in place
Miami-Dade:
- Policy: Mandatory uniforms for all K-8 students. 250 schools have these policies in place
Osceola:
- Policy: Mandatory uniforms for all elementary, middle, and high school students 59 schools have these policies in place
Polk:
- Policy: All elementary and middle schools have a mandatory dress code. 80 schools have these policies in place
There are other school districts with policies that come close to a uniform policy. For example, Broward schools may adopt uniform policies based on School Advisory Council votes, and five have. However, the district also has a parental opt out policy in place which effectually renders those policies pointless. There are other isolated school examples across the state of schools having approved uniform policies through SACs, however all with various opt out policies.
As the breakout shows, Osceola County is the only county in the state with a K-12 school uniform policy in place. The policy has been in place for 15 years and what have the results been?
- Osceola’s graduation rate preceding the policy: 69.6%
- Osceola’s graduation rate most recently: 88.8%
Notably Osceola County is a majority minority county (with the largest Puerto Rican population in the state) and the school district’s graduation rate, has risen at a faster rate than the state average in every demographic category. Additionally, while reporting isn’t as transparent when it comes to bullying, based on statistics we’ve seen the school district experienced approximately a 68% decrease in bullying at the same time. This closely mirrors that 70% that’s been monitored in national studies and is consistent with what we’ve seen where uniform policies have been added across the country.
Data points to school uniform policies, regardless of grade, type or location, leading to better student outcomes.