Classroom School Uniform Survey of NSBA members
Classroom School Uniforms surveyed over 5,472 National School Board Association members that attended the 2005 National Conference in San Diego. Overall over 2,578 members (47%) opened our survey request and over 300 members (8.4%) participated in the survey.
Over 50% of the survey participants have been school board members for over 5 years while less than 9% have been on the board for less than a year. These members represented school districts in the Midwest and Northeast and a majority of them considered their district’s location to be in suburban areas. Of those responding districts with dress code or uniform policies, there are more with mandatory uniform policies than with voluntary policies. This information is especially important as it shows a shift from urban schools looking for and using uniforms to suburban schools, and from voluntary policies moving to mandatory policies. Participants, in both urban and suburban areas, cited that reducing peer pressure was the major reason for uniforms although most districts do not periodically review their programs. Over 90% of all participants felt dress codes mattered and felt that dress is a leading cause of distraction and loss of focus in school. Over 20% of these NSBA members did have uniforms in their districts but all stated that they have a dress code of some sort in their schools and that uniforms are part of a school’s larger strategy to improve educational standards. 91% of those respondents stated that they would consider school uniforms if their community wanted them.
NSBA members would first contact other schools and the NSBA for information on ways to investigate and implement a solution. Currently, uniform manufacturers are the only place for schools to obtain information regarding school uniform programs. Successful programs are first based on staff observations and parent reaction and then on analytical data. Availability and pricing are the two most important reasons given for choosing a school manufacturer as a partner. Uniforms are a cost saver but schools are still having fundraisers, donations and uniform closets for those in need. These school board members are currently not using Title One funds as an option for assistance in the purchase of school uniforms but would like more information.
