Classroom School Uniforms sent emails to 1811 National Charter Schools Association members prior to the national conference in Sacramento in March, and 712 “reminder” emails after the conference, inviting members to take part in our school uniform survey. Overall, 131 members participated (7.2%).
When comparing responses (prior and post conference) it is certain that charter schools look to school uniforms and dress code programs as a method of promoting their school’s image of focused education.
Almost half of the responde nts have been charter school administrators for more than a year, and show an understanding of the community as well as the issues facing their schools. A majority of these members represented charter schools in the West, Midwest and California. With the National and California state associations coming together to offer one combined conference in Sacramento this year, it is not surprising that the members who participated in this survey were from these locations.
Reading at grade level, math comprehension, parental involvement, inappropriate clothing, discipline, attendance and bullying were among the most cited issues charter schools currently face. For schools not using uniforms, AYP Target Achievement also rated high. 97% of schools evaluate the effectiveness of the program based on observations of the principal and key staff. 85% involve parents and 71% involve the students. The use of data such as discipline logs (63%), attendance records (59%), AYP scores (49%), and test scores (51%) are also used.
75% of respondents cited that they have school uniforms or a dress code policy in at least one school if not the entire district and 9% are in discussions. 58% of those in uniforms stated that their policy was district wide. 25% of uniform programs are in the elementary school, 31% in middle school, and 25% in high schools. Unlike public schools, charter schools are not moving their Pre-K students into school uniforms. Of those schools in uniform, 97% of charter schools have mandatory school uniform policies. 99% of those in uniforms felt their school uniform programs were successful.
45% of the schools surveyed have been in school uniforms or dress codes between one to five years. 39% have used uniforms or dress codes between five and ten years, while 4% have been using programs for more than ten years. This information reinforces the longevity and effectiveness of such programs and is inline with the findings found in Classroom’s 2006 NSBA School Uniform Survey.
Of those respondents not in uniforms, 93% reported that it does matter what students wear to school. 20% felt there was too much pressure put on school uniforms. In addition 78% felt school uniforms were a cost saver over general apparel.
Reduction of peer pressure and disciplinary issues, and enhancement of school image and the positive effect in the classroom are cited as the main benefits of implementing a school uniform program.
30% of respondents stated that uniforms have helped improve attendance. Of those who saw improvement, 13% stated the improvement was between 1-10%, 10% stated an improvement between 10-15% and 8 % of those surveyed stated attendance improved between 25-50%.
91% of those surveyed cited uniforms as creating a positive effect in their classroom with 97% stating that school uniforms help improve their school’s self image.
More than half of those surveyed have seen a decline in discipline referrals in their school. 13% stated a change between 1-10%, 15% reported a change between 10-25% and 13% reported a decline between 25-50%. 69% of those surveyed stated a decline in gang activity or affiliation in their schools while 33% felt this question was not applicable to their school district.
24% of Charter School members surveyed stated their AYP scores improved between 1 and 50 points since implementing a dress code or school uniform policy. More than 50% of charter school members are seeing improved parental participation since implementing a school uniform or dress code program.
Compared to other public schools, charter schools are seeing improved participation by parents. 89% of those surveyed felt their teachers supported their school uniform program. Only 1% of those surveyed felt their teachers do not support such a program in their school or district.
Charter School Association members overwhelmingly agreed that school uniforms save parents money compared to general apparel merchandise. Price, comfort, availability of sizes and availability in their community rank highest when considering a school uniform partner. When asked if a uniform manufacturer is important to a program’s success, 47% of those surveyed felt a school uniform manufacturer or retailer was important.
Donations, general fund support, uniform closets and fundraisers are the main ways schools help those who cannot afford school uniforms. 89% reported that their school or district does not utilize Title One funds to assist eligible kids with uniforms.
When asked why their school would not consider uniforms, 39% of those surveyed responded that their district is too small or their school does not have problems uniforms would resolve. However, if parents were interested in school uniforms, 68% stated their district would consider such a policy.
When considering a school uniform program, 63% of those surveyed said that they use the Internet for information and 47% would reach out to other schools. 43% stated they would contact a school uniform manufacturer or retailer for information. 23% would reach out to the Association for Charter Schools. Most charter schools spend about a month educating their community about their school uniform program. However, many respondents stated that the process of educating the community is ongoing.
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Key Findings
- Almost half of the members of the Charter School Association that responded to the survey have been members for one to five years. 21% of those participating in the survey have been members for more than five years.
- Members from the West, California and Midwest are most prominently represented in this survey.
- 75% of the Charter School Association members cited that they have uniforms in at least one school if not the entire district and 9% are in discussions.
- 58% of those in uniforms stated that their policy was district wide. 25% of uniform programs are in the elementary school, 31% in middle school, and 25% in high schools. Unlike public schools, charter schools are not moving their Pre-K students into uniforms.
- 45% of the schools surveyed have been in school uniforms or dress codes for the period of one to five years. 39% have used a uniform or dress code between five and ten years and 4% have used programs for more than ten years. This information reinforces the longevity and effectiveness of such programs and is inline with the Classroom NSBA school uniform survey of public schools.
- 97% of Charter Schools in uniform have mandatory uniform policies.
- There is almost an even split among members regarding how their uniform policy is designed.
- Most charter schools take about six months to study the implementation of a school uniform policy. 86% of those surveyed cited it took about six months. Most charter schools spend a month educating the community about their school uniform program. However, many respondents stated that the process of educating the community is ongoing.
- Reduction of peer pressure and disciplinary issues and the enhancement of school image and positive effect in the classroom are cited as the main benefits of implementing a school uniform program.
- 99% of those in uniforms felt their school uniform programs were successful.
- 30% of respondents stated that uniforms have helped improve attendance in their schools. Of those who saw improvement, 13% stated the improvement was between 1-10%, 10% stated an improvement between 10-15% and 8 % of those surveyed stated attendance improved between 25-50%.
- 91% of those surveyed cited that uniforms have created a positive effect in their classroom. 97% of Charter School Association members stated that school uniforms has helped improve their school’s self image. More than half of those surveyed have seen a decline in discipline referrals in their school. 13% stated a change between 1-10%, 15% reported a change between 10-25% and 13% reported a decline between 25-50%.
- 69% of those surveyed stated a decline in gang activity or affiliation in their schools. 33% felt this question was not applicable to their school district.
- 24% of Charter School members surveyed stated their AYP scores improved between 1 and 50 points since implementing a dress code or school uniform policy.
- More than 50% of charter school members are seeing improved parent participation since implementing a school uniform or dress code program. Compared to other public schools, charter schools are seeing improved participation by parents.
- When asked what problems their school or district is currently experiencing, reading at grade level, math comprehension, parent involvement, inappropriate clothing, discipline, attendance and bullying were among the most cited issues. For schools not using uniforms, AYP Target Achievement also rated high. 97% of schools evaluate the effectiveness of the program based on observations of the principal and key staff. 85% involve the parents and 71% involve the students. The use of data such as discipline logs (63%), attendance records (59%), AYP scores (49%), and test scores (51%) are also used.
- Price, comfort, availability of sizes and availability in their community rank highest when considering a school uniform partner. When asked if a uniform manufacturer is important to a program’s success, 47% of those surveyed felt a school uniform manufacturer or retailer was important.
- Charter School Association members overwhelmingly agree that school uniforms save parents money compared to general apparel merchandise.
- Donations, general fund support, uniform closets and fundraisers are the main ways schools help those who cannot afford school uniforms.
- 89% reported that their school or district does not utilize Title One funds to assist eligible kids with uniforms.
- 93% of those schools not using uniforms reported that it does matter what students wear to school.
- 89% of those surveyed felt their teachers supported their school uniform program. Only 1% of those surveyed felt their teachers did not support such a program in their school or district.
- When asked why their school would not consider uniforms, 39% of those surveyed responded that their district is too small or their school does not have problems uniforms would resolve. However, if parents were interested in school uniforms 68% stated their district would consider such a policy.
- When considering a school uniform program, 63% of those surveyed stated that they use the Internet for information and 47% would reach out to other schools. 43% stated they would contact a school uniform manufacturer or retailer for information. 23% would reach out to the Association for Charter Schools.
- Of those respondents not using school uniforms, 20% of those surveyed felt there was too much pressure put on school uniforms. In addition, 78% felt school uniforms were a cost saver over general apparel.
Almost half of the Charter School Association members that responded to the survey have been members for one to five years. 21% of those participating in the survey have been members for more than five years. This reinforces the membership’s understanding of the area, community and specific educational needs.
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How long have you been a member of Charter School Association? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
28.4% |
37 |
|
|
48.1% |
65 |
|
|
21.2% |
28 |
Total Respondents |
130 |
|
Members from the West, California and Midwest participated the most in this survey. With the National Charter School Association Conference and the California Charter School Association conference, joining forces this year to offer one conference, this demographic makes sense as the conference location was in California.
Where is your school located? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
11.4% |
15 |
|
|
11.4% |
15 |
|
|
27.4% |
36 |
|
|
12.2% |
16 |
|
|
3.2% |
4 |
|
|
10.6% |
14 |
|
|
23.6% |
31 |
Total Respondents |
131 |
|
75% of the Charter School Association members cited that they have uniforms in at least one school if not the entire district and 9% are in discussions.
Does your school have a uniform or dress code policy? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
| |
|
Yes, the school or charter district is in uniform |
|
|
62.3% |
81 |
| |
|
Yes, some schools in the charter district are in uniform |
|
|
13.1% |
17 |
| |
|
No, we are in discussions |
|
|
9.2% |
12 |
| |
|
No, we are not interested |
|
|
15.3% |
20 |
Total Respondents |
130 |
|
There is almost an even split among members regarding how their uniform policy is designed.
Is your uniform policy campus choice or in all schools in the charter district? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
48% |
37 |
| |
|
Throughout the charter district |
|
|
52% |
40 |
Total Respondents |
77 |
|
58% of those in school uniforms stated that their policy was district wide. 25% have programs in the elementary school, 31% in middle school, and 25% in high schools. Unlike public school’s, charter schools are not moving their Pre-K students into uniforms.
If throughout the charter district, which schools use school uniforms? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
The entire district |
|
|
58.1% |
32 |
|
|
Pre-K |
|
|
0% |
0 |
|
|
Elementary schools |
|
|
25.4% |
8 |
|
|
Middle schools |
|
|
30.9% |
17 |
|
|
High schools |
|
|
25.4% |
14 |
Total Respondents |
55 |
|
45% of the schools surveyed have been in school uniforms or dress codes for the period of one to five years. 39% have been using a uniforms or dress codes between five and ten years and 4% have been using programs for more than ten years. This information reinforces the longevity and effectiveness of such programs and is inline with the findings found in the Classroom 206 NSBA school uniform survey.
How long has your school or charter district been using a dress code program? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
11.6% |
9 |
|
|
45.4% |
35 |
|
|
38.9% |
30 |
|
|
3.8% |
3 |
Total Respondents |
77 |
|
Most charter schools take about six months to study and implement a school uniform policy in their schools. 86% of those surveyed cited it took about six months.
How long did it take your school to look at and implement a school uniform policy? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
86.4% |
64 |
|
|
13.5% |
10 |
|
|
0% |
0 |
Total Respondents |
74 |
|
97% of Charter Schools in uniform have mandatory uniform policies.
Is your school uniform policy? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
2.6% |
2 |
|
|
97.3% |
73 |
Total Respondents |
75 |
|
Reduction of peer pressure and disciplinary issues, and enhancement of school image and the positive effect in the classroom are cited as the main benefits of implementing a school uniform program.
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What are the benefits you look for using school uniforms? Check all that apply. (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
Enhance our school’s image |
|
|
92% |
69 |
|
|
Positive effect in the classroom |
|
|
80% |
60 |
|
|
Reduce Peer Pressure |
|
|
92% |
69 |
|
|
Boost Morale |
|
|
49.3% |
37 |
|
|
Stay focused |
|
|
78.6% |
59 |
|
|
Prevent gang affiliation |
|
|
61.3% |
46 |
|
|
Improve attendance |
|
|
22.6% |
17 |
|
|
Improve AYP scores |
|
|
18.6% |
13 |
|
|
Reduce disciplinary issues |
|
|
84% |
63 |
Total Respondents |
75 |
|
Almost all members surveyed (99%) felt their school uniform programs were successful.
Do you consider your school uniform program successful? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
98.6% |
74 |
|
|
1.3% |
1 |
Total Respondents |
75 |
|
30% of respondents stated that uniforms have helped improve attendance in their schools. Of those who saw improvement, 13% stated the improvement was between 1-10%, 10% stated an improvement between 10-15% and 8 % of those surveyed stated attendance improved between 25-50%.
Have uniforms helped improve attendance? If so, by about how much? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
69.3% |
43 |
|
|
12.9% |
8 |
|
|
9.6% |
6 |
|
|
1.6% |
1 |
|
|
6.4% |
4 |
Total Respondents |
62 |
|
91% of those surveyed cited that uniforms have created a positive effect in their classroom.
Have uniforms helped create a positive effect in the classroom? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
91.4% |
64 |
|
|
8.6% |
6 |
Total Respondents |
70 |
|
97% of Charter School Association members stated that school uniforms have helped improve their school’s self image.
Do you feel uniforms have helped improve your school's self image? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
97.1% |
69 |
|
|
2.8% |
2 |
Total Respondents |
71 |
|
More than half of those surveyed have seen a decline in discipline referrals in their school. 13% stated a change between 1-10%, 15% reported a change between 10-25% and 13% reported a decline between 25-50%.
Have you seen a decline in discipline referrals in your school using uniforms? If so, by about how much? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
48.3% |
29 |
|
|
13.3% |
8 |
|
|
15% |
9 |
|
|
13.3% |
8 |
|
|
10% |
6 |
Total Respondents |
60 |
|
69% of those surveyed stated a decline in gang activity or affiliation in their schools. 33% felt this question was not applicable to their school district.
Have you seen a decline in gang activity or affiliation by using uniforms? (Combined) |
|
|
|
|
|
Response Percent |
Response Total |
|
|
69.3% |
43 |
|
|
17.7% |
9 |
|
|
33.3% |
8 |
Total Respondents |
62 |
|
24% of Charter School members surveyed stated their AYP scores improved between 1 and 50 points since implementing a dress code or school uniform policy.
