Mandating School Uniforms at All Grades

School Administrator, Dec, 2000 by Patricia L. Pickles

The new policy took effect in August 1999. Violations were high during the opening few weeks, largely due to confusion over what was permitted, before dropping sharply. The policy works well but requires vigilance. Throughout the day, classroom teachers monitor student appearance to identify those who attempt to modify their clothing during the day.

When a student in a K-5 school is found to be out of uniform, a letter is sent home to the parent asking that the student be properly dressed in the future. Repeated infractions lead to a parent conference. In the middle schools, the parent is called about a first-time violation and asked to bring appropriate clothing to the school for the child. If parents or guardians are not available, the violators are removed from class for the day and placed in in-school suspension.

At the high school, administrators check students for proper wear at the entrance and send home anyone out of compliance. Administrators also check for violations during passing periods and in the cafeteria. Repeated infractions will lead to a parent conference.

To handle the enforcement work, we hired a full-time dress code clerk to process uniform violations. The clerk is responsible for contacting parents, completing the uniform violation form, notifying teachers of students' unexcused absences, maintaining an electronic database and preparing letters to parents.

To keep parents aware, the uniform policy brochure is updated each year and mailed districtwide. The requirements also are summarized in the school registration brochure, in handbooks distributed to parents and on the district's Web site. Parents registering their students at North Chicago High School are required to sign an agreement pledging to adhere to the uniform policy.

The district's Uniforms Task Force (since renamed the Uniform Policy Review Board) meets three times a year to review implementation and consider modifications to the policy.

Proud Gains

Districtwide mandatory uniform practices have contributed to a healthy impact on student behavior and academic performance. At North Chicago High School, daily average dress code violations dropped from 58 percent to 2 percent.

More students are taking the ACT (the district's average score rose from 17.2 to 19.8 over the last two years), more Advanced Placement exams are taken, and more students are earning academic honors. The dropout and truancy rates also have declined.

Patricia Pickles is superintendent of North Chicago School District 187, 2000 Lewis Ave., North Chicago, Ill., 60064. E-mail: ppickles@nchi.lfc.edu