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The
State Board of Education has given school districts in Washington
the right to mandate uniforms in accordance with RCW 28A.320.140.
But, why are so many schools choosing to have their students
wear a uniform standard of dress? Schools in Seattle and Tacoma,
as well as California report that uniforms impact the educational
program very positively. Specifically, discipline of students
decreases, academic achievement increases and the overall
school climate improves considerably.
Staff
and administration spend much less time dealing with inappropriate
dress and can then dedicate that time to making all students
successful. Uniforms also serve as a means of identifying
students who attend a particular school. Intruders can be
readily observed because their attire does not match others.
Furthermore, uniforms help to eliminate the subtle representation
of "gang" affiliation while developing and defining
the concept of equality for all students. At Totem Middle
School, the implementation of uniforms will further support
our School Learning Plan that is dedicated to improving school
climate.
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